Japanese RoRo Becomes First Vessel Certified for Fully Autonomous Commercial Operations

The 6,890-dwt RoRo Hokuren Maru No. 2 has become the first vessel globally to complete all licensing requirements for fully autonomous navigation during commercial operations, following certifications issued in January and February 2025. ClassNK issued autonomous shipping certification on January 27, followed by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism completing the statutory ship inspection on February 9.

The K Line-operated vessel represents a breakthrough for The Nippon Foundation's MEGURI2040 project, launched in 2020 to achieve 50 percent unmanned operation of Japan's domestic fleet by 2040. The 173-meter RoRo, built in 2016, transports trucks carrying raw milk and agricultural products between Kushiro Port on Hokkaido and Hitachi Port near Tokyo, a route selected for its challenging conditions including heavy fishing vessel traffic, rough weather, and frequent fog.

The autonomous system achieved a 96 percent operational rate during initial sea trials in October 2023, following extensive retrofitting with navigation sensors and data processing equipment. The working group comprising K Line, Japan Radio, and YDK Technologies completed additional enhancements through 2024, including automatic vessel speed control systems and improved autonomous navigation technology.

MEGURI2040's first phase demonstrated key autonomous operations including berthing procedures, congested waterway navigation in Tokyo Bay, a 500-mile distance test, and an 18-hour endurance trial. The certification addresses Japan's declining seafarer population while targeting reduced human error incidents and improved operational efficiency across the domestic shipping sector.