The Gaia Blu, the main research vessel of the National Research Council which hosts the research team of the PEACE project on board (ProgressivE Autonomous researCh vessel Evolution) which is composed of scientists and technicians from the Consortium's Laboratory National Inter-University for Telecommunications (CNIT) and of the Institute of Marine Engineering of the CNR.

The research vessel will serve as a technology platform for the experimentation of command and control logic, and artificial intelligence. These activities will support the next Experience-Building Phase (EBP) of the International Maritime Organization, which will begin next May, following the planned approval of the voluntary version of the Code MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships) meeting during the meeting of May of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee.

The aim of the PEACE project is to develop a ship to be used as a advanced research equipped with innovative communication systems, sensors and remote control capabilities, opening the way to autonomous, digitally connected navigation.

In the coming years, during the process of revising the MASS Code that It is expected to become mandatory from January 1, 2032, the activities of the research team will continue on board the Gaia Blue with the continued involvement of the Coast Guard mainly for the purpose of validating the logic, the technologies and regulations, as well as to contribute to the dissemination of the culture and concepts of maritime navigation within the national maritime ecosystem and international.