The Impact and Response of Modern Intelligent Shipping Development on Traditional Maritime Law System

Abstract

With the deep penetration of 5G, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology in the shipping industry, intelligent shipping has moved from technical testing to large-scale implementation. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has classified Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) into four levels, and countries such as Norway and Japan have completed regular trials of L3 level coastal ships. China's Yangtze River Maritime Intelligent Platform has identified 93000 safety hazards and avoided 17 collision accidents. However, the traditional maritime law system, which is based on "manual operation," has significant gaps in terms of subject identification, responsibility division, and regulatory rules. In 2022, the South Korean Golden Ray roll on/roll off ship capsized due to a defect in its intelligent navigation software, and in 2024, the CMA CGM Libra ship ran aground due to an error in its intelligent route planning. Both accidents resulted in disputes over liability identification due to the lack of clear legal regulations; Since the revision of China's Maritime Law in 2020, it has only mentioned "smart ships" in the "General Provisions" and has not covered the core provisions, lagging behind the non mandatory MASS rules process of IMO 2026. This article combines real cases and legislative dynamics to analyze the essence of institutional impact, and proposes a response path of "international rule connection+domestic institutional supplementation", providing practical reference for the adaptation of maritime law to intelligent shipping.