NYK has begun full-scale use of an artificial intelligence system that automates planning for its global fleet of car carriers. The new tool promises faster scheduling, lower costs, and reduced emissions by optimizing ship allocation across hundreds of voyages.
Japanese shipping giant NYK has introduced a new artificial intelligence-based system that automates the allocation of its car carrier fleet, marking a significant step in how one of the world’s largest operators manages complex scheduling. The system, developed jointly with NYK’s technology arm MTI and Grid Co., has been in full-scale use since July.
NYK operates more than 100 car carriers worldwide, the largest fleet of its kind. Planning voyages for so many vessels has long been a demanding process, requiring staff to weigh customer requirements, ship availability, repair schedules, and port congestion months in advance. The company said the new system can now evaluate millions of possible options and produce an optimized plan in about ten minutes.
According to NYK, “this system uses AI to generate an optimal plan within approximately 10 minutes after evaluating millions of potential shipping schedules for several months ahead.” The AI evaluates several key performance indicators including vessel utilization, transport efficiency, and transport costs. The company added that environmental considerations are also built in, including the planned use of next-generation fuel ships and the impact of carbon pricing.
By automating what was once a highly manual task, NYK expects to improve customer service while cutting greenhouse gas emissions. “Integrating sustainability into operational planning is no longer optional. It is an essential part of the business,” said an executive from MTI involved in the project.
The launch reflects broader efforts across the shipping industry to apply digital tools to long-standing operational challenges. With global demand for vehicle transport rising and environmental regulations tightening, companies are under pressure to find new ways to balance efficiency with sustainability.
The company said it will continue refining the system as it collects data from real-world use, with the goal of making car carrier operations more predictable and resilient in the face of shifting market and regulatory demands.
