K LINE completes autonomous vessel trials for HOKUREN MARU No.2

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) has completed demonstration tests of autonomous navigation for the domestic RORO vessel HOKUREN MARU No.2, marking a significant milestone in Japan’s push toward autonomous shipping.

The initiative forms part of the MEGURI2040 Fully Autonomous Ship Project, led by the Nippon Foundation, which aims to develop autonomous vessels and enhance the stability and safety of maritime transport.

The vessel, operated by Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen, serves the Kushiro–Hitachi route, transporting agricultural cargo including raw milk from Hokkaido to Ibaraki Prefecture.

Following the completion of trials, HOKUREN MARU No.2 received certification for autonomous vessel operation from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) on 27 January 2026. It subsequently passed statutory inspection by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on 9 February 2026.

According to K LINE, this marks the first time a RORO vessel in Japan has successfully passed such inspections as an autonomous vessel.

The ship is now capable of operating with autonomous navigation functions equivalent to Level 4 under the SAE Levels of Driving Automation, allowing advanced navigation support even during commercial voyages.

K LINE said the development represents a step forward in improving operational efficiency and addressing key challenges facing the maritime industry, including crew shortages linked to population decline and risks associated with human error.

HOKUREN MARU No.2 is approximately 173 meters long with a gross tonnage of 11,413 and is one of four demonstration vessels participating in the MEGURI2040 project, which focuses on retrofitting existing ships with autonomous navigation capabilities.

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