By Nippon Foundation, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, and Shin Nihonkai Ferry

From reports, the Nippon Foundation, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, and Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd. say they have completed a demonstration test of what the companies say is the world’s first fully autonomous ship navigation systems on a large car ferry, conducted on the Iyonada Sea from Shinmoji, Kitakyushu City.

The demonstration was part of MEGURI 2040, a project promoting the development of fully autonomous vessels supported by The Nippon Foundation.

“This test demonstrated the world’s first fully autonomous navigation system, on a 222-meter ferry, with autonomous port berthing and unberthing using turning and reversing movements and high-speed navigation of up to 26 knots,” Mitsubishi said in a statement.

According to the press release, other new technologies included in the advanced fully autonomous operation system include sensors to detect other ships using infrared cameras, a remote engine monitoring system, and a sophisticated cyber security system.

“These advances in fully autonomous ship navigation are seen as a significant step toward safer and more efficient coastal shipping,” said Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, of which Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is a part.