MPA, NYK Begin Autonomous Ship Trials To Test Smart Shipping In Singapore

3D design of an autonomous ship — Image Credits: Wikipedia

On June 4, 2025, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), and MTI Co., Ltd. (an NYK Group company) held a joint workshop in Singapore to begin a new phase of trials for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). This step is part of a 2024 agreement between MPA and NYK to strengthen cooperation and speed up progress in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, and workforce training.

The event brought together more than 60 participants, including representatives from MPA, NYK, MTI, and the Singapore Maritime Institute.

Several industry stakeholders and research institutions also took part, such as ClassNK, Japan Radio Co., Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

According to MPA’s announcement, the upcoming MASS trials will focus on how autonomous ships interact with port systems, such as MPA’s Vessel Traffic Information System.

MPA-NYK Group Photo — Image Credits: NYK Group/LinkedIn

The goal is to improve understanding and set standards in several areas, including navigation safety, route planning, fuel use, artificial intelligence decision-making, vessel communication, and cybersecurity.

MPA’s Chief Marine Officer Capt M. Segar stated that the collaboration offers a key opportunity to test new operations in Singapore’s port waters. He added that MPA looks forward to working closely with NYK and MTI to move forward with safer, smarter, and more sustainable shipping practices.

MTI President Hideki Suzuki said the joint effort is a big step in developing autonomous navigation systems. He shared that MTI is proud to support trials aimed at creating safer and more efficient operations for autonomous vessels in Singapore.

The MPA acts as Singapore’s maritime regulator and developer, while NYK is a global shipping giant managing 886 vessels as of March 2025, with over 35,000 staff members worldwide. MTI, a technical branch of the NYK Group, focuses on transport-related research and development.

These trials are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the standards and strategies for autonomous vessel operations in one of the world’s busiest ports.

Reference: NYK

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