News Japan to run first autonomous passenger ferry

Mitsuyuki Unno, an executive director at the foundation that addresses issues in shipping and other fields, said the initiative could "become one of the solutions" to Japan's worsening labor shortage and ensure transportation to remote inhabited islands. The ferry gently pulled away from the pier and proceeded through calm waters in a demonstration. It also showed its ability to detect a ship ahead and reroute autonomously. Kokusai Ryobi Ferry Co., which operates Olympia Dream Seto, said it aims to make full use of autonomous navigation functions once crew members become more familiar with the system. The initiative is part of a broader project to commercialize unmanned vessels involving the Nippon Foundation and more than 50 other companies. If realized, it is expected to help stabilize logistics and reduce maritime accidents.

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