Service

Autonomous Ships Technology Development and Social Implementation Project

By advancing the social implementation of autonomous ships, we address the growing labor shortage in Japan’s maritime industry driven by an aging and declining population, while maintaining the integrity of the maritime infrastructure that supports the nation as an island country.

Purpose

  • Maintaining the Integrity of Freight and Passenger Transportation Infrastructure through the Adoption of Autonomous Navigation Technologies
    • Reducing Workload through Workforce Optimization ➡ Addressing Labor Shortages
    • Crew Operational Support ➡ Reducing Accidents Caused by Human Error (Enhanced Safety)

Key Characteristics

  • Total Coordination Leveraging our Experience and Networks gained through Leading Autonomous Ship Projects in Japan
  • Support for the Adoption of Autonomous Ships Technologies through Risk Assessment and Maritime Expertise Based on Extensive Experience, Including Crew Training
  • Development of an Automatic Collision Avoidance Program through Integrated Collaboration between System Engineers and Maritime Professionals
  • Providing Advice Aligned with Domestic and International Trends in autonomous ships, with Active Participation in Related Discussions in Japan and Abroad

Proven Track Record

01

Participation in the Nippon Foundation Unmanned MASS Project “MEGURI2040” as a Lead Company (since 2020)

  • Successful Demonstration of Unmanned Navigation over a 790 km Route between Tokyo and Tsu–Matsusaka
    (Unmanned Navigation Rate: 97.4% on the outbound voyage, 99.7% on the return voyage)
  • Recipient of the 5th Japan Open Innovation Award
    — Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award
  • Recipient of the Forbes JAPAN Xtrepreneur Award 2023
    — Working Style Category
  • Recipient of the Telework Association “Workstyle DX”
    — DX Innovation Award

Proven Track Record

02

Verification of an Automatic Collision Avoidance Program Using a Car Carrier Vessel (2019)

  • Verified the Effectiveness and Safety of a Collision Avoidance Program during Actual Voyages Using a Car Carrier Vessel Operated by NYK Line
  • Conducted the World’s First Experiment in Compliance with the IMO Interim Guidelines for MASS Trials
  • First in the World to Obtain Certification for Experimental Trials from the Republic of Panama, the Flag State of the Subject Vessel

Proven Track Record

03

With support from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s “Transportation Technology Development Promotion Program,” verified AI-based vessel collision avoidance technologies in real-world maritime environments (2017–2020).

  • Achieved the First Successful Real-Sea Trials in Japan of AI-Based Collision Avoidance Maneuvering

Proven Track Record

04

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT): Advanced Safety Vessel Technology Research and Development Support Program (2016–2020)

  • Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT):
    Demonstration Project for Vessels Utilizing Ship Handling Support Functions and Remote Operation (2018–2020)
  • Verified the Safe Execution of Collision Avoidance in Real Maritime Environments Using Remote Operation Technologies that Support Vessels from Shore
  • Contributed to the Development of the ClassNK Guidelines for Automated and MASS Operations

The social implementation of MASS addresses key societal challenges facing Japan’s maritime industry, including labor shortages, the reduction of maritime accidents, and the maintenance of sustainable logistics and passenger transportation systems.
The introduction of MASS is expected to enable more sustainable ship operations and contribute to regional revitalization.

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