Japan’s NYK Line has conducted what it says is the world’s first Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) trial to be performed in accordance with the IMO’s interim guidelines such trials, reports NYK Line.
NYK’s goal is to operate autonomous ships that will be manned, but make use of advanced technologies and remote support from shore to support ship operation and enhance safety. as the company begins tests to realize its target of manned autonomous ships.
MASS Trial
Iris Leader, a large NYK-operated PCTC having a gross tonnage of 70,826 tons, was navigated day and night using the Sherpa System for Real ship (SSR) navigation system.
The operation was from Xinsha, China, to the port of Nagoya, Japan, during the period from 14 to 17 September.
From 19 to 20 September, it was from the port of Nagoya to the port of Yokohama, Japan.
Crew performed typical duties during the navigations, which included Japan’s coastal area but excluded bays.
SSR Navigation
The Sherpa System for Real ship (SSR) navigation navigates a vessel by calculating optimal routes based on environmental conditions.
During the trial, the SSR’s performance in actual sea conditions was monitored as it
- collected information on environmental conditions around the ship from existing navigational devices,
- calculated collision risk,
- automatically determined optimal routes and speeds that were safe and economical, and
- then automatically navigated the ship.
Safe and optimal operations
Using data and experience gained through this trial but not obtainable through onshore simulators, NYK was able to ensure the feasibility of the SSR and its benefit for safe and optimal operations.
NYK says the trial was a big step toward realizing its goal of manned autonomous ships.
But unmanned ships may also be in NYK’s thoughts. It says, “the SSR verified by this trial will also be applied to future coastal ships, which currently face serious crew shortages,” adding that the SSR can become a basic technology for remote and unmanned navigation.
The NYK Group will accelerate its digitalization efforts based on the company’s medium-term management plan “Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green.”
They will also conduct development and demonstration tests of advanced operational support technologies to realize manned autonomous ships.
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Source: Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line
