Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI), the technology research and development arm of Japanese shipping company NYK Group, has completed a collaborative project with class society ABS to deliver approval in principle for a hazard assessment framework for fully autonomous vessels.
MTI’s Action Planning and Execution System (APExS-auto) maritime autonomy framework applies a System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) method to guide autonomous operations, a hazard analysis technique that focuses on managing the risk of failure in the interoperation of different components within an overall system, rather than just the components themselves.
“MTI have established a framework for lifecycle management of autonomous navigation systems. The framework is crafted to be flexible, adapting to any necessary operational and design changes,” said Hideyuki Ando, Director of MTI.
“This approval from ABS provides a solid basis for future installations.”
The APExS-auto framework was developed by MTI, NYK Line, and Japan Marine Science as part of the MEGURI 2040 fully autonomous ship programme in Japan. ABS evaluated the model against its Requirements for Autonomous and Remote-Control Functions when issuing the approval in principle.
“STPA technique is useful for autonomous vessel applications and for complex systems such as those installed on board fully electric vessels and other highly sophisticated ship types,” said Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering.
