OCT
29
2026
CML Seminar Series: AI Liability for Autonomous Ships under English
Description
*Early Bird Extended to 26 October 2026*
About the Event
As Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) move closer to commercial reality, AI systems are expected to play an increasingly significant role in functions traditionally performed by masters and crew. This raises an important practical question: who should ultimately bear the loss when AI decisions result in cargo damage?
Although claims will ordinarily be brought against the carrier, cargo interests and insurers may also seek recovery directly from the producers of AI systems. Rather than advocating a new product liability regime for MASS, this seminar explains why the challenges posed by AI can largely be addressed within the existing framework of English negligence law by ensuring that questions of defect, evidence, causation and remoteness are addressed at the appropriate doctrinal stage. The discussion concludes by considering the practical implications for insurers and contractual risk allocation.
About the Speaker
Dr Özdel is the founder of the UCL Autonomous Shipping Project and former Director of the UCL Centre for Commercial Law. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a supporting member of the LMAA (London Maritime Arbitrators’ Association). She has written extensively in the areas of international trade law, carriage of goods by sea, international commercial arbitration and conflict of laws and jurisdiction. She is the editor and co-author of Commercial Maritime Law (2020, Hart Publishing), author of Bills of Lading Incorporating Charterparties (2015, Hart Publishing) and co-author of EU Transport Law (2016, Hart-Nomos-Beck). She is also the Course Convenor for the International Trade Law and Carriage of Goods by Sea modules and co-convenes the International Arbitration Law module. She is also the chief examiner for the Carriage of Goods by Sea and International Trade Law modules on the University of London International Programme.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Fees are to be paid before the commencement of the event with exception of e-invoices (if applicable).
2. Fees paid are non-refundable (if applicable).
3. Registration is transferable within the same organisation if the request is made at least one week before the event.
4. By filling up this Registration Form,
i. Participants agree and consent that their personal data provided in this form may be collected, used, processed, and disclosed by NUS and the event organisers for the purposes of processing their registration, in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 and all subsidiary legislation related thereto.
In respect to disclosure, NUS may disclose participants personal data to thirdparties (which may be in or outside of Singapore) where necessary for such purposes.
ii. Participants will also consent to NUS taking photographs and videos for the purposes of event reporting, marketing, publicity, and media/social media. Participants further consent to NUS disclosing such photographs and videos to third party media entities (whether in Singapore or otherwise) for publicity purposes, and NUS may identify them by name.
iii. NUS and designated event organisers reserve the right to alter any of the programme or other arrangements for this event, including cancellation or postponement of the event, should circumstances so warrant.
Date and Time
Thursday, 29th October 2026 4:15PM GMT+08:00
to
Thursday, 29th October 2026 5:45PM GMT+08:00
Organisation
Faculty of Law
Contact Email
cml@nus.edu.sg
Location
The Executive Centre | Level 7, Capital Square, 23 Church Street, Singapore 049481