Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) is looking 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. 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 onboard 250 vessels by 2025.
