Japanese firms to launch self-driving cargo ships by 2027

Ship builders and shipping firms in Japan plan to launch self-driving cargo ships by 2027 in the belief that autonomous ships will reduce accidents by removing potential for human error.

The ships would use the internet of things – connecting a range of devices over the internet – to gather data, such as weather conditions and shipping information, and plot the shortest, most efficient and safest routes.

By removing the potential for human error, the companies believe the technology could dramatically cut the number of accidents at sea.

Mitsui OSK Lines, Nippon Yusen and other firms will invest hundreds of millions of dollars developing the technology required to steer as many as 250 ships through busy shipping lanes and, according to the Nikkei, boost Japan’s sagging share of the global shipbuilding market.