On the occasion of the 2nd International Ship Autonomy and Sustainability Summit, the European Commission together with EU Member States, Norway and with valuable industry input published today the comprehensive EU Operational Guidelines on trials of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships. It allows for a harmonised European approach by clarifying the roles of authorities and applicants and provides guidance of what to consider in their assessments when facing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) trials, including risk assessments. With these Guidelines, the European Commission promotes a high level of maritime safety, which is a precondition for a smart and sustainable autonomous maritime future.