The vessel "Masyu" is the first in the domestic shipping industry to introduce a VR navigation system.
As part of our efforts to digitize our maritime operations, we have installed the VR Navigation System developed by Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. on our vessel "Mashiu" during its dry dock stay at Hakodate Dock in August 2025, making us the first domestic shipping company to do so. We have released a promotional video on our corporate page showcasing the actual operation and benefits of the VR Navigation System. Please take a look and experience our new initiative. VR Navigation System PR Video: https://www.kyk.co.jp/assets/mp4/VR_Navigation_PR_202511.mp4 The VR Navigation System is a system developed to achieve autonomous navigation in the "MEGURI2040" (Note 1) unmanned operation project promoted by the Nippon Foundation . It displays information necessary for the safe operation of vessels using virtual reality technology, supporting human spatial awareness. Furthermore, in addition to nautical chart information, it is possible to display a bird's-eye view of information detected by radar, AIS information, and collision risk areas.
Note 1. "MEGURI2040" is a project that aims to solve social issues such as labor shortages due to the declining birthrate and aging population in domestic shipping, and maritime accidents caused by human error
, and to strengthen Japan's maritime industry and related industries by promoting technological development aimed at the practical application of unmanned vessels.
Our company is also participating in this project.
Furthermore, with the introduction of the VR navigation system , we have obtained an Innovation Endorsement Notice (IE) for our vessel "Mashiu" from the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)
The acquired codes are for advanced safety measures:
① Advanced Safety (Collision Risk Indication System) (a-SAFE(CRI))
and ② Advanced Safety (Extended Reality Display System) (a-SAFE(XRD)).
Regarding ①, this is the first time a domestic shipping company has acquired this certification.
About Innovation Endorsement Notes (IE) (ClassNK Homepage)
https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/ja/activities/techservices/dgd2030/iea/index.html
Guidelines on Advanced Safety Measures (ClassNK website)
https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/pdf/Rules_Guidance_public/techdoc/gl_advanced_safety_measures_j202204.pdf
Going forward, NYK will continue to actively promote digital transformation of its vessels, striving to achieve safer and more efficient ship operation.
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- The vessel "Masyu" is the first in the domestic shipping industry to introduce a VR navigation system.