Autonomous ships are increasingly coming into view. Several parties worldwide, such as Norway's Yara recently, are building fully self-steering ships. Serious steps are now being taken in Japan too.
Japanese shipbuilders have joined forces to realise self-navigating ships by 2025. This should notably reduce the number of accidents at sea. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Nippon Yusen, among others, will invest in developing the technology and share their expertise.
Data
The artificial intelligence steering system would use technologies such as internet of things to directly collect and analyse data. This would include data on weather or dangerous obstacles at sea, for example. The AI system uses this data to determine the most energy-saving, safest and shortest route. The smart chips can also predict on-board failures, which also reduces the risk of accidents.
Participating shipbuilders such as Japan Marine United, will implent the self-navigating system in new ship models, of which some 250 will be built. The collaboration between all the different parties is intended to give Japan a leading role in a technology that is increasingly in demand worldwide. Japan wants to eventually serve 30 per cent of the market.
Global development
A key component for this is increasing data volume. Nippon Yusen is already working on a technology that makes data available to estimate collision risks, and Japan Marine on a system that diagnoses failure before they happen by analysing the condition of the ship.
The development of autonomous control systems worldwide is now also starting to take off in shipping. Norway, for instance, recently developed a test area for self-navigating ships. Britain's Rolls Royce, which makes marine engines, has also announced plans for autonomous shipping.
By: Kelly Bakker
Photo: Pixabay
