Initiated the development of technology for an autonomous control system integrated with an optimal navigation application

Nabtesco Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Kazumasa Kimura) has announced the development of a technology for an autonomous control system integrated with an optimal navigation application, through its Marine Control Systems Company. This initiative was selected for the NX Subsidy Program, promoted by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to drive transformation in the domestic shipping sector.

This development aims to evolve conventional manual weather routing(*) into an optimal navigation application that applies ideal constraints based on meteorological and oceanographic conditions. By automating the control of actuators such as the main engine and rudder—covering fuel consumption, route and speed adjustments—through integration with systems like the Remote Control System of Main Engine, TELEGRAPH AGNET™, and the ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) , the project seeks to make voyage planning and engine output commands more efficiency. Ultimately, it will enable semi-autonomous navigation that considers fuel efficiency.

(*) Weather routing is a technique that predicts meteorological and oceanographic conditions during a voyage to determine the optimal route, taking into account vessel performance and estimated arrival time.

The application and autonomous control system under development will be installed on the “Haru Maru No.5,” operated by Daio Kaiun Co., Ltd., for onboard validation.

Domestic roll-on/roll-off vessel “Haru Maru No.5”

Development image of autonomous control system

Image of weather routing application

Going forward, we will continue to address social challenges such as reducing crew workload, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing GHG emissions, while promoting further automation and operational efficiency in the maritime industry.

End.

＜Company overview＞

Name：Daio Kaiun Co., Ltd.
Representative：Masami Iwai, Representative director
Head office：Shikokuchuo-city, Ehime
Business：Ocean transport services (international and domestic), ship agency services, and other
operations (including customs brokerage, port cargo handling, etc.)
Website： Daio Kaiun Co., Ltd.

Name：Nabtesco Corporation
Representative：Kazumasa Kimura, Representative director
Head office：Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Business：Remote control system for marine vessels, solutions for marine vessels and others.
Website：https://marine.nabtesco.com/en/

■About Nabtesco　https://www.nabtesco.com/en/

Nabtesco was established through the integration of Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd. and NABCO Ltd. in 2003. Based on its unique motion control technology, Nabtesco manufactures components for machines to support the automation of production facilities and to provide safety, comfort and a sense of security for land, sea and air transportation.

Nabtesco started the marine vessel equipment business in 1950 and now has a market share of about 45% in Japan and about 40% in the world for marine vessel engine remote control systems, which represent its core product in the business. The company also offers control equipment for auxiliary propulsion systems, electronic governor systems, and electronically controlled hydraulic valves for use in electronically controlled engines. It has marine vessel equipment production bases in the city of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, the city of Busan in South Korea and the city of Shanghai in China and also has service bases for the equipment in Singapore and the Netherlands.