Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), MTI Co., Ltd. (MTI), and Grid Co., Ltd. (Grid) have jointly developed an AI-based system that automates and optimizes allocation plans for car carriers. Full-scale operations of the system began at NYK in July.
NYK operates more than 100 car carriers, the largest fleet in the world. Ship allocation planning has traditionally been complex and labor-intensive, requiring evaluation of numerous conditions for hundreds of voyages several months in advance.
The new system uses AI to calculate millions of potential schedules and generate an optimal plan within about 10 minutes. It evaluates factors including customer requirements, fleet operating status, repair schedules, and port congestion risks to optimize key performance indicators such as vessel utilization, transport efficiency, and transport costs.
The companies said the system also incorporates considerations for the use of next-generation fuel ships and carbon pricing, and is expected to contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.
NYK, MTI, and Grid stated that they will continue efforts to advance efficiency in car carrier operations and promote technological innovation in line with environmental goals.
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) is a publicly traded Japanese shipping company established in 1885, headquartered in Tokyo. It operates globally across multiple segments of the maritime industry and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
MTI Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of NYK, established in 2004, specializing in research and development of technologies for shipping, logistics, and environmental solutions.
Grid Co., Ltd. is a private Japanese company focused on artificial intelligence, optimization software, and quantum computing applications. It develops the proprietary AI framework “ReNom” and provides industry-specific solutions.
