NYK has tested the integration of an autonomous navigation system with Singapore port systems on the LNG-fuelled car carrier Elder Leader, according to NYK Line.
The trial was carried out on 29 April during the NYK-operated vessel’s first call at the port of Singapore. It involved NYK, NYK Group company MTI Co Ltd and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
The demonstration verified transmission of voyage planning data from the vessel to prototypes of Singapore’s next-generation vessel traffic management system. It also tested the sharing of pilotage route information from an onshore support system to the ship, as well as real-time transmission of operational data and video from the vessel. NYK said the trial also used MPA’s Just-in-Time platform to support smoother and more efficient vessel arrival.
Remote pilotage was limited to navigation through channels and fairways. The trial followed a prior risk assessment and was conducted with the ship’s master, bridge team and a pilot in attendance.
Elder Leader is fitted with an autonomous navigation system, a large-motion mitigation system and an onboard Wi-Fi network covering the whole vessel. NYK said the car carrier also uses LNG as fuel in a design intended to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The trial was conducted under a 2024 memorandum of understanding between NYK and MPA covering decarbonisation, digitalisation and maritime human resource development. NYK said the results will be used in work on next-generation vessel traffic management systems and shore-based support systems able to interface with autonomous vessels.
NYK Line is a Japanese shipping and logistics group with operations across liner-related logistics, car carriers, dry bulk, tankers, LNG shipping, offshore business and port-related services.
MTI Co Ltd is an NYK Group technology company focused on maritime research and development, including ship operations, digitalisation, navigation support and environmental technologies.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is Singapore’s statutory maritime authority, responsible for port regulation, vessel traffic management, maritime safety, port development and the wider maritime sector.
