Overview
- The Olympia Dream Seto, operated by Kokusai Ryobi Ferry between Shin-Okayama and Tonosho, is the first ship certified by Japan as an autonomous passenger vessel.
- Semi-autonomous operations start on Thursday with familiarization voyages carrying passengers and system personnel following government approval.
- The system uses sensors to recognize nearby traffic and hazards, automatically adjusts course, and controls the rudder and propeller with manual override available.
- A demonstration showed the ferry detecting a vessel ahead and rerouting autonomously as part of safety-focused automation features.
- Full-scale commercial use is targeted by the end of fiscal 2025, with three additional vessels, including a container ship, slated to adopt autonomous functions by April 2026.