As the labor shortage is becoming more serious in the shipping industry, a project team made up of 30 major companies is conducting research with the aim of putting into practical use technology that enables the operation of container ships without crew members.
On the 2nd, the newly completed dedicated equipment was opened to the press.
In order to improve the situation of labor shortage, which is becoming more serious in the shipping industry, NYK Line, the largest company, has set up a project team consisting of 30 companies in cooperation with NTT and others.
The team is conducting research with the aim of putting a technology that can operate a container ship without a sailor on board by 2025, and on the 2nd, the special equipment just completed in Mihama Ward, Chiba City was reported to the press. published.
With this equipment, in addition to being able to set an efficient route that relies on the experience of seafarers with a computer, it is possible to monitor the position of the container ship via GPS and grasp whether there is a risk of an accident on the route. ..
Furthermore, in the event of an emergency, the cockpit in the facility will be switched to manual operation to avoid accidents.
The team will use this equipment, which is the core of the technology, to conduct a demonstration experiment to operate a container ship from Tokyo Bay to Ise Bay in February next year.
Jun Nakamura, a core member of the team, said, "I think that the new technology can greatly reduce the labor load on seafarers. I want to put it to practical use as soon as possible."