NYK Aims for Remote-Controlled Transpacific Voyage
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) is lokoking to test run a remote-controlled containership transit across the Pacific in 2019, according to Bloomberg.
NYK has teamed up with a number of Japanese manufacturers as it looks to take the lead in autonomous ship technology, MANA correspondent reported.
Last year it tied up with radar manufacturer Furuno, and communication equipment makers Japan Radio Co. and Tokyo Keiki Inc. to study autonomous shipping.
The Japanese government is actively supporting NYK- and other local lines- in their pursuit of autonomous ships.
In a white paper published in June, the government stated it wants to have the requisite technology for autonomous ships on-board 250 vessels by 2025.