Security Council debates whether new technology can keep the world's sea lanes safe

29 October 2026

The United Nations Security Council held a debate on emerging technologies and maritime security, asking whether new technology can keep the world's sea lanes safe. The Council first took up maritime security as a thematic subject in August 2021, and it has met on artificial intelligence seven times since July 2023, so the two strands came together in this meeting. Rules for crewless vessels have begun to arrive: a first safety code covering autonomous ships, drawn up by the International Maritime Organization, came into force on 1 July. A new informal Council expert group on technology, peace and security is to hold its first meeting in November. The Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and the only one whose decisions bind all Member States. The International Maritime Organization is the UN agency that writes the rules for the safety and security of shipping and for preventing pollution from ships.