Japanese shipping giant Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has ordered a PCTC (pure car and track carrier) from Shinkai Toyohashi Shipbuilding. The new vessel will be equipped with an artificial intelligence autonomous navigation system and other Marine DX technologies.
The new vessel measures 199.95 meters in length and 38 meters in width, with delivery scheduled for March 31, 2026. It will serve as a testing platform for advanced navigation and safety technologies during routine commercial operations.
It will also be equipped with an autonomous navigation system developed by Japan’s “MEGURI2040 Fully Autonomous Vessel Project”. Operating under crew supervision, this system uses AI-based image recognition and automatic radar target analysis to assess the surrounding navigation situation, determine collision and grounding risks, generate obstacle avoidance plans, and execute automatic steering maneuvers. This aims to reduce the workload of seafarers and lower the rate of human error accidents—statistics show that nearly 70% of maritime accidents are caused by human factors.
Japan Marine Science (JMS), a subsidiary of NYK, will provide intelligent route support through its “Advanced Route Simulation Planning Software”. This software predicts the navigation status of the vessel and surrounding ships to calculate optimal routes and speeds. It operates continuously and can be switched to manual steering mode at any time.
Furuno Electric will provide the new vessel with a collision avoidance support system integrated into the autonomous navigation suite. This system combines radar and other sensor data to calculate collision risk and works with JMS software to create and control the optimal obstacle avoidance route. The company will also deliver key navigation equipment, including radar and an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), as part of a comprehensive maritime digitalization solution designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Additionally, the new vessel will be equipped with a large-scale roll reduction system. This system utilizes real-time wave radar data and simulates the vessel’s motion based on its status, recommending course and speed adjustments to minimize hull roll and protect cargo safety during severe weather conditions. Full-vessel Wi-Fi coverage ensures stable connectivity throughout engine rooms, decks, cargo holds, and other areas. This enables crew members to access digital manuals, conduct real-time video troubleshooting, obtain remote medical consultations, and overcome signal blind spots caused by the steel hull.
Founded in 1885 and headquartered in Tokyo, NYK is a Japanese shipping and logistics group with a diversified global fleet covering container shipping, energy logistics, dry bulk shipping and automotive logistics, and a long history of international liner and terminal operations.
Shinkai Toyohashi Shipbuilding is a Japanese commercial shipbuilding company specializing in constructing medium-sized vessels for domestic and regional clients, while providing design and construction solutions for various ship types.
JMS, as the maritime technology consulting arm of NYK, is dedicated to developing operational planning tools, simulation systems, and navigation support technologies for shipping companies and training institutions.