ClassNK issues AiP for Fully Autonomous Ship Framework
(Posted on 18/03/22)
Leading Classification Society ClassNK granted the Approval in Principle (AiP) for a fully autonomous ship framework (development code “APExS-auto”*1) jointly developed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), MTI Co., Ltd. (MTI), and Japan Marine Science Inc.
"APExS-auto” is a framework of the concept for realizing a fully autonomous ship by automating a series of processes required for ship operation, including information gathering, analysis, planning, approval, and execution. It has been adopted in the fully autonomous ship demonstration conducted by the Designing the Future of Full Autonomous Ship (DFFAS) Consortium, which is participating in the “Joint Technological Development Programme for the Demonstration of Fully Autonomous Ships” under the fully autonomous ship project “MEGURI2040” administered by the Nippon Foundation.
ClassNK has been involved in various demonstration projects to support the development and implementation of automated and autonomous ship operation technologies from a safety perspective and has worked to establish the necessary safety standards. In 2020, ClassNK issued the AiP for a crewed autonomous ship framework (development code “APExS”) developed by NYK and MTI.
For the concept design of “APExS-auto”, ClassNK has also conducted its safety review based on the requirements of the society’s “Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of ships”. Having confirmed its compliance with the requirements, including clarification of basic elements comprising the concept of the system, risk assessments, and backup systems, ClassNK issued the AiP.
In collaboration with partners, ClassNK will continue to ensure the environment for applying automated and autonomous ship operation technologies by providing standards and technical verifications for advanced initiatives.
Latest News
ClassNK releases ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’
(Posted on 01/05/25)ClassNK has released ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’ which aim to achieve sustainable... Read more
MCTC ensures quality remains at top of the table amid global tensions
(Posted on 30/04/25)In the face of unpredictable provisioning costs, port disruptions, and longer lead times MCTC has reinforced... Read more
NORDEN raises full-year guidance for 2025
(Posted on 28/04/25)On the back of the increased gains from sales of vessels and good operational performance, NORDEN, a... Read more
INTERCARGO welcomes ILO recognition of seafarers as key workers
(Posted on 28/04/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has welcomed the recent decision... Read more
MMS advises why seafarers must remain vigilant about malaria
(Posted on 25/04/25)Despite its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers... Read more
Veson: Bulker S&P activity falls sharply in Q1 2025
(Posted on 22/04/25)Due to market uncertainty, overall sale and purchase levels for Bulkers have fallen year on year, with... Read more
Britannia Group announces CEO succession plan
(Posted on 22/04/25)The Britannia Group, a leading P&I insurer, has announced that its Chief Executive, Andrew Cutler... Read more
INTERCARGO responds to IMO's decision on GHG reduction measures
(Posted on 15/04/25)At last week's landmark MEPC 83 meeting, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States... Read more
NORDEN sells two additional vessels
(Posted on 15/04/25)In line with NORDEN’s strategy to realise asset values, the global provider of ocean-based freight... Read more
ILO delivers on Seafarers Key Worker Rights and fair treatment
(Posted on 15/04/25)The fifth meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee (STC) of the MLC concluded last week with some... Read more
