As of 1 June 2026, the China Classification Society (CCS) has officially
implemented its revised Rules for Intelligent Ships (2026). This update
reflects the rapid evolution of autonomous and intelligent maritime
technologies, and introduces several notable changes that shipowners,
designers, and equipment manufacturers should be aware of.
Here is a concise summary of the key amendments
:Chapter 1:
l Added the
principle requirements for voluntarily applying for autonomous ship inspection
services in
accordance with the MASS Code.
l Revised the
requirements for Intelligent
Ship class notation, intelligent systems approval and product
certification.
Chapter 2:
l Supplemented the
requirements for fusion information sources of vision enhancement , display parameters/information for fused
images, and safety distances.
Chapter 4:
l Modified the
requirements for the intelligent machinery functional notation and the principles for its granting.
l Added new
requirements for boiler and system condition monitoring and health assessment.
l Added new
principle requirements for the approval of intelligent function extended equipment.
l Modified the
requirements for baseline data measurement.
Chapter 6:
l Modified the
requirements for the intelligent cargo management functional notation and the
principles for its granting.
l Added new
requirements for the intelligent stowage functional notation.
l Modified the
requirements for intelligent tank washing and automatic cargo loading/unloading.
Chapter 7:
l Modified the
requirements for the functional notation and granting principles of the
intelligent integration platform.
l Added new
requirements for data management and data integration.
l Removed the requirements
for system hierarchy descriptions.
Chapter 8:
l Modified the
requirements for vision
enhancement and engine room machinery equipment condition monitoring.
l Added new
requirements for pre？sailing preparations, replenishment of ship consumables, and
oil sump refilling.
Chapter 10:
l Added Section
10.8 “Intelligent Berthing and Unberthing,” specifying the objectives,
functions, technical requirements, and inspection requirements for intelligent
berthing and unberthing scenarios.
l Added Section
10.9 “Intelligent Bridge Collision Prevention,”
specifying the objectives, functions, technical requirements, and inspection
requirements for intelligent bridge collision prevention scenarios.
l Added Section
10.10 “Intelligent Surveillance,” specifying the
objectives, functions, technical requirements, and inspection requirements for
intelligent surveillance of personnel behavior, machinery equipment condition, and loaded goods condition.
These updates underscore
CCS’s commitment to fostering safer, more efficient, and digitally？driven
shipping. Whether you are involved in newbuilding, retrofitting, or operational
management, now is the time to review how these changes may affect your
compliance and technology roadmap.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss the
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