6
March
2026

WMU–KOMSA Collaboration on Autonomous Ships and Arctic Shipping

The project follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two institutions on 18 March 2025

The World Maritime University (WMU) and the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) have officially launched a joint research initiative. Signed in early 2026, the agreement establishes a structured research partnership focusing on the development of risk assessment methodologies for autonomous ships, and safety of Arctic shipping routes.

The initiative will examine international regulatory trends, technical standards, and risk assessment practices related to Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). It will also contribute to the development of a conceptual safety assessment framework aligned with international standards and supportive of Korea’s maritime policy development and engagement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

As part of the collaboration, WMU will lead the research activities and provide academic supervision and technical guidance. KOMSA will contribute through technical collaboration, data sharing, and by dispatching a researcher to WMU to participate in the project.

The project follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions on 18 March 2025 and marks the start of a collaborative effort aimed at advancing safety frameworks and regulatory understanding for emerging maritime technologies. Through this partnership, WMU and KOMSA aim to strengthen international cooperation in maritime safety research while supporting the safe development and commercialization of autonomous shipping technologies.

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