TOKYO: Japan is moving ahead with research into autonomous ocean transport by selecting Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding for development work.
The research contract was delivered by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism for its transportation research and technology promotion programme.
MOL and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding will be joined by universities and institutes in the research and development programme. These include; National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), Japan Ship Technology Research Association and Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc.
This consortium has been tasked with developing the concept for autonomous ocean-going vessels and the technology to achieve this goal. The members have set a course towards realising autonomous ships that can provide reliable, safe, and efficient ocean transport.
The Japanese government expects the project will foster development of the required infrastructure and public support for the implementation of these advanced technologies. It hopes the research will lead to lower logistics costs and environmental impact of vessels, lower workloads for crew and safe maritime operations.
