Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES-S), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMST), Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen), and MOL Ferry announced the success of a demonstration test of their jointly developed auto berthing and un-berthing system.
The trial took place from March to April 2021 at an actual pier in Oarai Port, Ibaraki Prefecture, using the large-size car ferry Sunflower Shiretoko, owned by MOL Ferry.
This demonstration test is a world first from two aspects:
- It used a large car ferry on one of its service routes;
- Carrying out the test using an actual pier.
The project team developed the ship operation plan, operation guide, and used simulations to conduct a safety assessment under various conditions.
The team also conducted the demonstration test and verifying safety on the vessel in service by autonomously berthing and un-berthing at a virtual pier projected on the water.
Using the results of this demonstration test, the project team will perform demonstration tests of auto berthing and un-berthing at actual berths with other ship types, aiming to develop a highly versatile technology.