Nippon Foundation's 'MEGURI2040' Project Participant Ship 'Olympia Dream Seto' Moves to New Stage in Autonomous Operation on Regular Route

Kokusai Rinko Ferry Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinchiku Port, Naka-ku, Okayama City; Representative: Director & Senior Managing Executive Officer COO Masahiko Inoue | https://ryobi-shodoshima.jp/) has commenced operation of its autonomous navigation system without system engineers onboard the ferry "Olympia Dream Seto," which connects Shin-Okayama Port (Okayama Prefecture) and Toshima Port (Shodoshima Island, Kagawa Prefecture), starting June 9, 2026.

With the transition to an operational system without system engineers onboard, autonomous navigation technology moves from the demonstration and certification phase to a full-fledged practical stage supported by onboard crew.

Olympia Dream Seto

Background and Previous Developments

Kokusai Rinko Ferry Co., Ltd. is participating in the unmanned vessel project "MEGURI2040" promoted by the Nippon Foundation, and is working on the social implementation of autonomous navigation technology on the regular passenger route "Olympia Dream Seto" connecting Okayama and Shodoshima Island. The vessel is utilizing advanced autonomous navigation functions, not only for automatically proceeding along the route but also for collision avoidance support that determines the course while monitoring surrounding vessels, and for automatic berthing and unberthing.

In December 2025, the vessel obtained national certification for commercial operation equivalent to Level 4 autonomous driving2, becoming the world's first1 on a regular passenger route with general passengers onboard. This marked the stage where autonomous navigation functions can be utilized on actual regular routes, both technically and institutionally.

However, Kokusai Rinko Ferry did not immediately switch to a significantly different operational system after obtaining certification. Prioritizing safety, operations continued for a certain period with system engineers onboard. Through repeated collaboration, the crew has become proficient in the characteristics and operation of the autonomous navigation system, as well as the points to check during daily operations, accumulating on-site know-how for handling troubles and making decisions during normal operations.

Based on this accumulated experience, operations commenced on June 9, 2026, without the system engineers who were previously onboard. This signifies not just that "engineers are no longer onboard," but that autonomous navigation technology has entered a phase where it is utilized by the onboard crew in their daily operations, rather than being a special demonstration system.

With crew shortages and an aging workforce being national issues, improving safety and establishing sustainable operational systems are essential for maintaining maritime transport, including routes to remote islands, in the future. Autonomous navigation technology is not a replacement for crew members, but a new partner that supports crew judgment and operation, enabling safe and stable navigation.

Kokusai Rinko Ferry will continue to work towards the further practical application of autonomous navigation technology through its participation in the Nippon Foundation's "MEGURI2040" project, while also protecting and nurturing the vital life and tourism route connecting Okayama and Shodoshima Island in a safe and sustainable manner.

[Notes]

1 According to Nippon Foundation research. This is the first case in the world of commencing regular commercial operation at a level equivalent to Level 4 autonomous driving on a regular passenger route with general passengers onboard. 2 A technological stage where full autonomous operation is partially possible. It refers to full autonomous driving without human intervention in specific areas or under certain conditions. As the definition of autonomous navigation for ships is currently under discussion by the IMO etc., the definition for automobiles is being used for convenience.

Comment from Representative of Kokusai Rinko Ferry

Kokusai Rinko Ferry Co., Ltd. Representative Director CEO, Mitsunobu Kojima

"Olympia Dream Seto" is an important life route connecting Okayama and Shodoshima Island, and is a regular passenger ship used by many customers. Utilizing autonomous navigation technology in such daily operations carries great responsibility.

The certification obtained last December was a major step. However, what is truly important to us is to safely and reliably master the use of this technology in the field. Even after obtaining certification, we have continued to accumulate crew proficiency and conduct step-by-step verifications through actual operations.

We believe that the commencement of operations without system engineers onboard this time signifies that autonomous navigation technology has begun to evolve into a practical technology that supports daily operations, rather than being solely for special demonstrations.

We will continue to work towards the realization of safe and sustainable maritime transport by combining the experience and skills of our crew with the new autonomous navigation system.

Company Profile

Kokusai Rinko Ferry Co., Ltd.

URL: https://ryobi-shodoshima.jp/

Head Office: 9-1 Shinchiku Port, Naka-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

Representative: Representative Director CEO, Mitsunobu Kojima

Main Business: Regular Passenger Ferry Service Business (Takamatsu Port - Shodoshima Ikeda Port, Shin-Okayama Port - Shodoshima Toshima Port)