Our proprietary software, “Advanced Routing Simulation and Planning: ARS”, developed for Autonomous Navigation Systems, has obtained Technology Qualification (TQ) statement issued by ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai). This statement confirms that the software has been verified to meet safety standards equivalent to those of technologies developed under existing regulations. ARS is the first software to receive a TQ statement from ClassNK.

In recent years, the development and demonstration of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) technologies have been actively pursued both domestically and internationally, aiming to prevent human error, reduce crew workload, and address labor shortages.  We have been actively developing ARS, an action planning software for autonomous navigation systems, by leveraging our expertise as a maritime consulting firm and the maritime technology expertise of the NYK Group. ARS predicts the behavior of its own vessel and surrounding ships to formulate action plans aimed at preventing collisions and groundings. As one of the core technologies for autonomous navigation systems, ARS is scheduled to be used in demonstration trials under the “MEGURI2040”*1 the fully autonomous program promoted by the Nippon Foundation, and will be installed on newly built coastal container ship and a passenger ship serving remote islands.

ARS has obtained a Technology Qualification Statement following an evaluation based on ClassNK’s "Technology Qualification Guidelines" and "Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous on ships (Ver.2.0)"*². The assessment included novelty evaluation, risk analysis, simulation testing, and certification trials for each functional component, confirming that ARS meets the required criteria as a key enabling technology for autonomous navigation.

We will continue the development of ARS with aim of preventing human error, reducing crew workload, and addressing labor shortages, while actively working towards its standard implementation. We are promoting initiatives to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our business activities. Our efforts to enhance ship safety contribute to the attainment of he following goals.

*1: The Nippon Foundation MEGURI2040 Fully Autonomous Ship Program
https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/what/projects/meguri2040

*2: Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation on ships (Ver.2.0)
https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/ja/hp_news.aspx?id=31884&layout=1