Japanese autonomous ship framework awarded class approval
Autonomous ship framework development code “APExS” (Source: NYK)
NYK Line and its wholly-owned research and development subsidiary, MTI Co Ltd, have been awarded Approval in Principle by Japan’s ClassNK for a joint project on the concept design of an autonomous ship framework.
The framework, called Action Planning and Execution System (APExS), is intended to facilitate development of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and includes high-speed computer-based information processing technology and risk analyses that support crew members’ situational awareness and the decision-making that is necessary for ship manoeuvring.
ClassNK verified the safety of system usage conditions, fall back systems and other features of the autonomous ship framework. In a statement, the classification society said that it will continue to improve the environment for the use of automated/autonomous operation technologies by providing standards for advanced initiatives and technological verification.
