Leading Classification Society ClassNK granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (hereinafter referred to as NYK Line) and MTI Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as MTI) for their joint project on the concept design of an autonomous ship framework (development code “APExS”).

ClassNK is involved in various demonstration projects and continuously works to develop necessary safety standards in order to support the development and implementation of automated/autonomous operation technologies from a safety perspective. In January 2020, the Society released its “Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of ships” which comprehensively summarize the requirements for each stage of conceptual design, design development, installation, and maintenance during the operation of automated/autonomous operation technologies.

Jointly with NYK Line and MTI, ClassNK verified the safety of system usage conditions, fall back systems, and more toward the development of the autonomous ship framework. The AiP was then granted upon confirming the feasibility of the framework through safety evaluation in line with the above guidelines.

The Society will continue to improve the environment for the use of automated/autonomous operation technologies by providing standards for advanced initiatives and technological verification.