ClassNK has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) and an Innovation Endorsement to Kawasaki Heavy Industries for its new berthing and unberthing assistance technologies. These systems aim to enhance safety and support the growing adoption of automated and autonomous ship operations. ClassNK’s latest approvals further confirm that vessels equipped with these systems can qualify for the “a-SAFE” notation, highlighting advanced safety capabilities.
Approval in Principle for Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System
ClassNK conducted a detailed safety review of Kawasaki’s “Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System” using its Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of Ships (Version 2.0) as well as relevant construction rules. The system met all required safety standards, leading to the issuance of an AiP.
This approval demonstrates ClassNK’s ongoing support for the safe integration of automation technologies, ensuring that ships can benefit from modern systems that minimize human error during critical manoeuvres such as berthing and unberthing.
Innovation Endorsement for Berthing and Unberthing Assistance System Human Machine Interface
Kawasaki’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) for the berthing assistance system has received ClassNK’s Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions, a certification granted to innovative equipment and software.
This endorsement highlights the system’s advanced functionality, user-friendly interface, and potential to significantly improve situational awareness for ship operators. ClassNK also confirmed that vessels registered with the society can be assigned the a-SAFE (BSS) notation when equipped with this HMI-based berthing support system, recognising their enhanced safety features.
By granting both the AiP and the Innovation Endorsement, ClassNK has validated the safety, innovation, and operational value of Kawasaki’s berthing assistance technologies. These approvals mark another step toward wider adoption of automated ship operations and reinforce ClassNK’s commitment to supporting technological advancements that improve maritime safety and efficiency.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: ClassNK
