Orca AI has received a Technology Qualification (TQ) from Japanese classification society ClassNK for its autonomous ship perception capabilities, confirming that the real-time Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision used within the Designing the Future of Fully Autonomous Ships Plus (DFFAS+) project meet performance requirements for autonomous navigation.
The platform provides data to autonomous navigation systems using three SeaPod lookout units. These units, equipped with thermal and high-sensitivity cameras, offer a continuous 360-degree field of view around the vessel.
This setup allows the system to overcome line-of-sight obstructions caused by deck equipment, such as wind rotor sails and cranes, while detecting piracy threats and overtaking vessels.
The DFFAS+ consortium, which includes 51 companies, is led by MTI, a subsidiary of the NYK Group. The project is part of the second stage of the Nippon Foundation’s MEGURI2040 programme, focused on the development and commercialisation of fully autonomous maritime shipping in Japan.
The flagship vessel of the project, Genbu, has also obtained Automatic Navigation Vessel Notation from ClassNK.
“We are pleased that the Genbu, flagship vessel of DFFAS+, has successfully obtained both the Automatic Navigation Vessel Notation from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) and the Autonomous Vessel Certification from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan),” said Dr. Hideyuki Ando, Director of MTI.
Capt Jun Nakamura, Manager of the Autonomous Ship Team at MTI, added: “This qualification confirms that Orca AI’s perception capability is a validated source of real-time perception data for autonomous navigation systems.”
This project is an extension of a previous relationship between Orca AI and MTI, who previously collaborated on an autonomous voyage trial three years ago off the east coast of Japan.
“After extensive collaboration with ClassNK and deep technical work across areas such as perception accuracy, sensor fusion, and benchmarking, we are proud to receive this recognition. The TQ confirms that this capability is suitable for the demands of real-world autonomous operations,” said Dor Raviv, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Orca AI.
