“K” LINE made agreement for Research and Development of the “Safe Berthing Unberthing Assist System”
To improve safe ship operation and realize autonomous ships in the futur Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have agreed to carry out the research and development of the “Safe Berthing/Unberthing Assist System” to enhance safety and efficiency of vessel maneuvering, berthing/unberthing, and mooring operations in ports.
The research and development aim to advance and improve safety and efficiency in berthing,
Unberthing, including mooring by combining expertise from “K” LINE and “K” LINE KINKAI with advanced technologies from KHI.
Currently, safe berthing/unberthing operations in ports are ensured by well experienced and knowledgeable shipboard crew about characteristics of ship specific maneuvering and mooring equipment features. For further improvement of safety, this system incorporates the latest technologies, including AI, to assist in safe berthing/unberthing operations. It will be the first system in the world that provides integrated support for all necessary operations from maneuvering in port, berthing/unberthing, mooring including mooring line monitoring. We will install the system on domestic vessels operated by “K” LINE KINKAI as a testing ground for this research and development and establish this system by spring 2025.
“K” LINE group is currently working on the “K”-Assist Project (“K” LINE Autonomous Ship with Safe and Intelligent Supporting Technology), which aims to further enhance safe ship operations through the integration of expertise in safe operations and advanced technologies. “Safe Berthing/Unberthing Assist System” is one of the components of the project.
“K” LINE will continue research and development to improve safety even further by providing more sophisticated support for shipboard crew and reducing their workload, as well as to realize autonomous ships in the future
*1 KICS® (Kawasaki Integrated Control System) is a system that can comprehensively control multiple steering elements such as controllable pitch propeller, swivel thruster, side thruster, and rudder.
*2 DPS (Dynamic Positioning System) is a system that maintains the vessel’s planned position and heading by automatically controlling the vessel’s propulsion system and rudder. It features real-time monitoring of the vessel’s position through GPS or other position-measuring devices.
（For reference: https://www.khi.co.jp/mobility/marine/machinery/kics.html
Related News.
OL Shipping Group in Tokyo: Capt. Eberhard Koch calls for realistic solutions to Maritime Decarbonisation
An intensive and engaging couple of days in Tokyo brought together leading figures from the international maritime community, providing a valuable…
Regatta for Peace one of the largest ever in Cyprus
Cyprus will host the first European stop on a global sailing journey leading up to the 2027 America’s Cup in Naples. More than 120 sailors…
The propulsion technology powering the marine energy transition
The marine industry is under increasing pressure to future-proof fleets, balancing the need to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Propulsion…
Signal Ocean acquires Lgmar
Signal Ocean announced the acquisition of Lgmar, the Athens-based company behind Telix, a maritime email and communication platform in daily use…
Canada clean power push challenged by interprovincial grid limits, says GlobalData
Canada is entering a pivotal phase of power-sector expansion as federal tax credits, the phase-out of coal-fired generation, and accelerating…
Maritime safety depends on human factors and leadership, not procedures alone
Interim survey findings point to a gap between seafarers’ perceptions of risk and injury data Seafarers may misjudge when and where they are most at…
New BIMCO contracts tackle ship recycling and energy-saving retrofits
BIMCO adopted two new contractual solutions designed to help you manage important operational and regulatory challenges: the revised…
Stena Line to acquire vessel and make changes to its network
Stena Line has reached an agreement to acquire the RoRo vessel Somerset from CLdN. Subject to closure and transfer, the vessel would begin operating…
DORIC WEEKLY INSIGHT 16 OCTOBER 2026
Please find below the DORIC Market Insight for the week ending 16th October 2026. Weekly Report 16.10.2026
Important information for port clients and freight carriers effective November 1, a new traffic overpass and port checkpoint will open for traffic to the Port of Riga on Kundziņsala
Starting November 1 of this year, a new traffic overpass connecting Tvaika Street to Kundziņsala will open to facilitate traffic to and from the Port…
Subscribe to our newsletter!
if you dont want to swim alone in the ocean of news, sign up for the newsletter, and you will receive daily all the important news of world shipping!
