World's First Success in Simultaneous Monitoring and Operation Support for Multiple Autonomous Ships

The Nippon Foundation (Minato-ku, Tokyo, Chairman Takehisa Ogata) has been promoting the project "MEGURI2040" since February 2020, aiming to realize unmanned ships and ensure stable transportation of people and goods, addressing issues such as crew shortages due to the declining birthrate and aging population, and reducing accidents caused by human error. We are pleased to announce that all four demonstration ships participating in this project have passed the vessel inspection for autonomous operation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This makes Japan the first in the world to enable multiple ships carrying passengers and general cargo to operate autonomously under commercial operation, equivalent to Level 4 autonomous driving. This is the world's first attempt to simultaneously support the operation of these multiple autonomous ships from a "shore-based support center."

The second stage of "MEGURI2040," which has reached its culmination, has focused not only on technological development but also on rule-making and improving social acceptance for the social implementation of autonomous ships. Key achievements include contributing to the establishment of domestic rules (vessel inspection system) for autonomous ships, a world first, and their practical application under commercial operation based on these rules. In December of last year, the passenger ship "Olympia Dream Seto," which carries general passengers, began commercial operation after passing the vessel inspection for autonomous operation. In January of this year, the newly built domestic container ship "Genbu" and in March, the RORO ship "Dai-ni Hokuren Maru" also commenced commercial operations after passing their respective inspections. With the final demonstration ship of the second stage, the domestic container ship "Mikage," passing its vessel inspection by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on March 25th, all four vessels are now capable of autonomous operation under commercial conditions.

Furthermore, we have also succeeded in developing a "shore-based support center" that enables new working styles for crew members and efficient operations, allowing for simultaneous support of multiple vessels from shore, among other diverse achievements.

The Foundation will continue to collaborate with participating companies and organizations to promote the development of rules and laws related to autonomous and unmanned navigation, as well as foster social understanding, with the goal of achieving unmanned operation for 50% of domestic ships by 2040.

※1: Refers to a technological stage where fully autonomous operation, requiring no human intervention, is possible within specific areas and under certain conditions. (Definitions of ship autonomous driving are currently under discussion at the IMO, etc. The definition for automobiles is being used as a reference.) Reference: https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001226541.pdf

※2: According to research by The Nippon Foundation (as of March 2026).

■Comments from Stakeholders (March 27th, Press Conference)

▶ Takehisa Ogata, Chairman, The Nippon Foundation

"I am confident that the autonomous ships developed through 'MEGURI2040' will greatly contribute to reducing the burden on crew members and creating new work styles, leading to the maintenance of domestic shipping and island routes, which are vital logistics infrastructure for Japan. By promoting the widespread adoption of autonomous ships, we aim to strengthen the competitiveness of Japan's maritime industry, which possesses high technological capabilities, and ultimately create a future where the next generation can feel the potential of the maritime industry."

▶ Satoshi Mizushima, Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

"As labor shortages become increasingly severe across Japan, it is crucial to improve operational efficiency in the maritime sector through the utilization of autonomous navigation technology. We have high expectations for autonomous ships. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism intends to proceed with creating an environment for full-scale commercial operation around 2030, based on the analysis of data collected with the cooperation of the four ships from 'MEGURI2040'."

▶ Mitsuharu Matsuura, President, All Japan Seamen's Union

"Up to now, we have been advancing..."