ClassNK awards world’s first MASS notation to domestic container ship “Genbu”

TOKYO: ClassNK has granted its “AUTO-Nav2(All)”^*1 notation to domestic liner container ship “Genbu,” the only newly constructed autonomous ship under the MEGURI2040 Fully Autonomous Ship Program^*2 by The Nippon Foundation. This notation identifies ships equipped with an autonomous navigation system approved by ClassNK, and it marks the world’s first case of an autonomous navigation notation being assigned to a vessel operating on medium- to long-distance coastal routes. The vessel was constructed by Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation, with ship management handled by IKOUS Corporation and operations conducted by Suzuyo Marine Co., Ltd.

In recent years, the research and development of technology related to autonomous surface ships (MASS) has been actively carried out with the aims of improving safety by preventing human error and improving working conditions by reducing the workload on crew members. Particularly in Japan, autonomous ships are expected to contribute to securing daily routes to many inhabited remote islands and to the continuation of domestic shipping business due to the aging of seafarers. This notation is intended to support initiatives, toward the social implementation of these technologies reflecting the needs of the industry, from the standpoint of the classification society.

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 has been developed through the dedicated efforts of the diverse companies participating in the consortium of the project. ClassNK conducted an examination of the system, based on its guidelines. Upon confirming it complies with the prescribed requirements, the “AUTO-Nav2 (All)” was affixed to the vessel. By obtaining this notation, the vessel is able to respond to the industry’s need for an official evaluation of highly safe automated navigation technologies and to externally demonstrate their reliability.

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.