ViganSailors SocietyPort of South LouisianaPort of StocktonGeneva DryBühler GmbH
  • Van Aalst
  • TBA Group
  • Geneva Dry
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Cimbria

ClassNK issues AiP for Fully Autonomous Ship Framework

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

ESL to sell Supramaxes

(Posted on 25/03/24)

ESL Shipping, a leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, has signed a memorandum of... Read more


Sustainable fuels can reach cost parity with fossil fuels by 2035

(Posted on 25/03/24)

New Wärtsilä analysis shows EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime will close price gap, creating policy... Read more


Swedish Club delivers firm foundation for future growth

(Posted on 25/03/24)

The Swedish Club reported positive results for 2023, combined with an emphasis on supporting its members... Read more


DNV establishes Tanker and Bulker Expert Team in China

(Posted on 18/03/24)

DNV has established a Tanker and Bulker Expert Team based in Shanghai. With strong global demand and... Read more


ClassNK notation for improvements in living and working environment

(Posted on 18/03/24)

ClassNK has granted its “ELW” (Excellent Living and Working Environment) notation to &ldquo... Read more


Boers: crews' health should not be sacrificed while at out sea

(Posted on 15/03/24)

Leading crew change specialist Boers Crew Services says the industry should be collaborating more to... Read more


Wärtsilä simulator technology for Sharjah Maritime Academy

(Posted on 15/03/24)

Technology group Wärtsilä has supplied its latest simulator technology to the prestigious... Read more


ASL rebrands as Adhira Shipping and Logistics and expands range of logistics services

(Posted on 10/03/24)

Adhira Shipping and Logistics (ASL) has launched an integrated suite of logistics and transportation... Read more


Attack on MV True Confidence – INTERCARGO statement

(Posted on 10/03/24)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) had joined shipping industry associations... Read more


Diverse Algoma fleet contributes to revenue growth

(Posted on 29/02/24)

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the year ended December 31, 2023. Algoma reported... Read more


TBA GroupTelestackVan AalstCimbriaTMS Awards 2023
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Vigan
  • Port of Stockton

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping