NYK Group, in collaboration with technology firm Orca AI, is set to pilot four vessels featuring semi-autonomous technology to address Japan’s maritime crew shortage. This initiative comes amid a growing labor crisis in the country’s shipping industry.
The project is part of the Nippon Foundation’s MEGURI2040 program, which aims to integrate fully autonomous vessels into Japan’s waters. The foundation highlights a significant concern: over half of Japan’s coastal mariners are aged 50 and older, while the country’s declining birth rate hampers the influx of new talent.
By leveraging advanced maritime technology, the initiative seeks to alleviate the strain on crew availability and enhance operational efficiency. The demonstration of semi-autonomous ships is expected to showcase how innovation can play a crucial role in revitalizing Japan’s maritime workforce.
As the industry grapples with these challenges, the collaboration between NYK Group and Orca AI represents a proactive step towards securing a sustainable future for Japan’s shipping sector.
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