ClassNK will continue to contribute to the advancement of technologies related to autonomous ships through the development of appropriate standards 

Tokyo ClassNK has granted its 'AUTO-Nav2(All)' notation to the 'Genbu', (IMO 1034993, MMSI 431028356 - sailing under the flag of Japan.)a domestic liner container ship and the only newly constructed autonomous ship to be built as part of The Nippon Foundation's MEGURI2040 Fully Autonomous Ship Programme. This notation identifies ships equipped with an autonomous navigation system approved by ClassNK. It also marks the first time that an autonomous navigation notation has been assigned to a vessel operating on medium- to long-distance coastal routes worldwide. Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation constructed the vessel, IKOUS Corporation handles its management, and Suzuyo Marine Co., Ltd. conducts its operations.

 Technology related to autonomous surface ships (MASS)

In recent years, research and development into technology related to autonomous surface ships (MASS) has been actively pursued with the aim of improving safety by preventing human error, as well as improving working conditions by reducing crew members' workload. In Japan in particular, autonomous ships are expected to secure daily routes to many remote inhabited islands and ensure the continuation of the domestic shipping business, given the ageing seafarer population. This notation is intended to support the social implementation of these technologies, reflecting the needs of the industry, from the standpoint of the classification society.

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Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of ships

In order to address the new concept of autonomous and automated navigation systems, whose evaluation has been difficult under conventional regulatory frameworks, ClassNK released its “Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of ships.” These Guidelines have been developed based on insights gained through various demonstration projects, and outline the requirements for each stage of conceptual design, design development, installation, and maintenance during the operation of automated/autonomous operation technologies.

The autonomous navigation system installed on this vessel

The autonomous navigation system installed on this vessel was developed through the dedicated efforts of the various companies that participated in the project consortium. ClassNK conducted an examination of the system based on its guidelines. Upon confirming that the system complies with the prescribed requirements, the notation "AUTO-Nav2 (All)" was affixed to the vessel. By obtaining this notation, the vessel can respond to the industry's need for an official evaluation of highly reliable automated navigation technologies, demonstrating their dependability to third parties.

Advancement of technologies related to autonomous ships

.ClassNK will continue to contribute to the advancement of technologies related to autonomous ships through the development of appropriate standards and certification activities, with the aim of reducing the burden on seafarers, promoting work style reform, and ensuring the stability of maritime logistics.

About :ClassNK

 ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai), often abbreviated as NK, is a premier international ship classification society founded in Japan in 1899. It ensures the safety of life/property at sea and protects the marine environment by setting technical standards for building and maintaining ships, conducting surveys, and providing certification services

# ClassNK #"AUTO-Nav2 (All)"#autonomous #automated navigation systems# (MASS)#'Genbu#Autonomous Ship Programme #Nippon Foundation#IKOUS Corporation #Suzuyo Marine