The shipping and shipbuilding industries are focusing their efforts on automated navigation systems, aiming to resolve such issues as the aging of seafarers and chronic staff shortages. An ongoing government-supported project is expected to be put into practical use by 2025.
Test trials were conducted for the project led by the Nippon Foundation between February and March this year. The 749-ton container ship Suzaku made a round trip between Tokyo Port and Tsumatsusaka Port in Mie Prefecture in four days, using an automated navigation system.
In automatic navigation systems, artificial intelligence analyzes the surrounding vessels and obstacles seen by onboard cameras, and then selects the best route for the vessel to navigate unmanned.
