- A major industry-academic consortium led by MTI Co., Ltd. has launched a five-year project to create a next-generation Integrated Simulation Platform for ship design and operations.
- The project focuses on digital twin technology, alternative fuels, autonomous systems, and seasonal prediction models to support sustainable, high-performance vessel development.
- Selected by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) under the government’s K Program, the initiative supports Japan’s strategic aim of maintaining global maritime competitiveness.
A consortium of top Japanese maritime stakeholders, including MTI Co., Ltd. (NYK Group), Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING, Japan Marine United Corporation, Mitsui E&S, Kyoto University, and Osaka University, among others, has been selected by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) for a key R&D initiative under the K Program—Japan’s flagship cross-community technology development scheme.
Project Overview
Title: “Development of Integrated Simulation Platform for Sustainable and Competitive Maritime Industry”
Leader: Hideyuki Ando, Director, MTI Co., Ltd.
Duration: 5 years (pending final approval by the Program Director)
Strategic Goals and Focus Areas
The maritime sector is transitioning to low-emission, high-efficiency vessels powered by alternative fuels, wind propulsion, and intelligent control systems. However, Japan’s shipbuilding sector must overcome challenges like shorter development cycles, rising design complexity, and labor shortages—all while meeting global demand.
To address these challenges, the project will develop a unified Integrated Simulation Platform to support:
- Concurrent lifecycle and supply chain optimization from the early design stages
- Virtual engineering adoption across Japan’s maritime industry
- Real-time simulation of ship performance, construction logistics, and operational scenarios
- Integration of high-resolution seasonal weather prediction (1–3 months), including extreme events like typhoons, to enhance route planning and operational safety
Government-Backed Initiative for Global Competitiveness
The project aligns with Japan’s Integrated Innovation Strategy and the R&D vision set by the Cabinet Office and MEXT. It aims to solidify Japan’s position as a global leader in advanced shipbuilding technologies through digital transformation and cross-sectoral collaboration.
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Source: Misubishi Heavy Industries
