In the frosty waters of Holyrood, Newfoundland and Labrador, a revolution is brewing. Researchers from the National Research Council (NRC) are out in full force, testing sensors that could very well redefine the future of maritime operations in harsh environments. This isn’t just about tinkering with gadgets; it’s about paving the way for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), the marine equivalent of self-driving cars, which are poised to play a pivotal role in Canada’s strategic and economic future.
The Canadian government has its eyes wide open on this front. MASS was singled out as one of the five key themes in the Blue Economy Targeted Regulatory Review, and one of two focus areas in the third round of regulatory reviews launched in 2022. The goal? To identify and knock down regulatory barriers to innovation and economic growth in the blue economy. The result? A blue economy regulatory roadmap, released in June 2024, outlining 13 initiatives across five themes to accelerate innovation in the sector. Three of these initiatives are dedicated to advancing MASS technology, a clear sign that Canada is serious about leading the charge in this domain.
Dr. Ayda Ali Elhage, a research council officer at the NRC, is at the helm of this ambitious endeavor. She’s been working on a MASS research strategy, supported by the NRC’s Ocean program and Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre. The strategy is a comprehensive framework that explores the advantages and limitations of MASS, their role in Canada, and ways to encourage innovation and research, development, and demonstration (RD&D). “We are well positioned to become an important global designer, manufacturer, and provider of MASS technologies,” Dr. Elhage asserts. And she’s not just whistling Dixie. Canada’s got the chops—expertise in AI, engineering, sensor systems, naval architecture, machine learning, and data analysis. Plus, with the world’s longest coastline and access to three oceans, Canada is a natural testing ground for MASS that can handle any operational situation.
But let’s not kid ourselves, the road to MASS domination isn’t all smooth sailing. Regulations are a major hurdle. Existing international legal frameworks require seafarers to be on board to operate and control shipboard systems. In Canada, crews are mandatory on vessels, meaning remote operation and MASS testing require exemptions. And while exemptions are possible, they’re currently limited to small vessels. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is working on a non-mandatory MASS code, set to be published in 2026, which will help shape domestic regulations. But until then, testing is crucial to ensure sensors function in Canada’s harsh conditions. “And if you don’t test it, you cannot deploy it,” Dr. Elhage emphasizes.
The success of MASS in Canada involves a symphony of government departments and agencies. Dr. Elhage leads two MASS working groups to facilitate this collaboration. The MASS interdepartmental working group brings together regulators and stakeholders from various government agencies, while the Canadian Forum for MASS fosters discussions between government representatives, port authorities, ship pilots, owners, operators, and technology developers.
But here’s where it gets really interesting. MASS presents opportunities for strategic partnerships with international counterparts. Norway, the UK, and Japan are leaders in this field, and by advancing our work in MASS, Canada has a major opportunity to collaborate on research and development and exchange lessons learned. This isn’t just about keeping up with the Joneses; it’s about setting the standard.
So, what does this all mean for the future of the maritime industry? It’s a wake-up call. Canada is positioning itself as a global leader in MASS technology, and that’s a game-changer. It means jobs, economic growth, and a boost to Canada’s innovation ecosystem. It means modernizing our ocean infrastructure and upgrading our ships with digital technologies, AI, and other essential sensors and innovations. But it also means navigating regulatory hurdles and collaborating on an international scale. It’s a tall order, but if anyone can do it, it’s Canada. So, buckle up, maritime industry. The future is autonomous, and it’s coming fast.