On October 8 and 9, 2025, the 8th International Conference on Maritime Autonomous Systems (ICMASS) will take place in Hamburg, Germany, for the first time. It is being jointly organized by the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services CML and the German Society for Positioning and Navigation e.V. (DGON).

The two-day conference offers a varied program covering a wide range of topics related to the research and development of autonomous vessels. Keynote speakers include Jörg Kaufmann, Director of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Dr. Andreas Mues, Director of Engineering at Anschütz GmbH, and Lennart Swoboda, Head of Autonomy at Bernhard Schulte GmbH & Co. KG. Over 90 presentations will cover topics ranging from the technical and regulatory requirements for operating autonomous ships to the challenges for ports and terminals and for navigation when dealing with other ships and objects in the water. In addition, obstacles to the introduction of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and cybersecurity requirements will be discussed, as well as the promotion of good (autonomous) seamanship on board.

Research & development meets industry
The conference will focus in particular on MASS Technology and MASS Operations, but will also offer special sessions on MASS Business and Intelligent Ships and Smart Shipping (ISSS). ISSS is part of ICMASS and has its own focus: it will highlight the latest developments in digital maritime systems, including improved position resilience, sensor fusion for situational awareness, ship-shore integration via digital twins, and the development of intelligent navigation aids. It will also address how modern digital technologies can change and improve navigation, safety, and efficiency.
The MASS Technology theme will present and discuss the most important and latest solutions for the implementation of sensor technology, navigation, and operations. Will one technology ultimately prevail, or will different approaches be able to coexist? And last but not least: How can the safety of autonomous systems be guaranteed?

The focus of autonomous ship operations (MASS Operations) will be on presenting concrete results from tests, the development and design of human-machine interfaces (MMS), and the integration of land-based control systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on current research findings concerning port requirements, propulsion technologies, and the option of land-based control and pilotage.

Practical topics and networking
Economic aspects are addressed in the MASS Business section in presentations on the short-term and strategic potential of MASS deployment, as well as the question of transitioning from singular development solutions to an innovative market with access to investment capital.

The new ISSS (Intelligent Ships and Smart Shipping) forum is off to a strong start as the second largest area alongside MASS Technology, featuring new digital developments in maritime systems: solutions for secure positioning, situation assessment, and navigation support aim to make maritime shipping easier and safer than it is today.

The event will take place in the Fraunhofer CML research building in Harburg’s inland port, which will provide insights into its laboratories, complemented by an exhibition of innovative technology providers. A highlight of ICMASS 2025: part of the conference will take place on a ship moored at the CML quay, which will set sail for Hamburg’s Landungsbrücken at the end of the conference.

Around 200 participants from research and science, the maritime industry, technology providers, regulatory authorities, and political decision-makers are expected to attend this high-profile event, which offers numerous opportunities for exchange and networking.

Registration is open until September 19, 2025.
Source: Fraunhofer