An R&D project jointly proposed by ten organizations* in the maritime industry, including MTI Co., Ltd., the representative organization and a member of the NYK Group, has been adopted as an R&D concept by the Japanese government’s Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross Community Collaboration Program (K Program).

The R&D project, titled "Development of Integrated Simulation Platform for Sustainable and Competitive Maritime Industry," will be part of the K Program’s "High-Performance Next-Generation Vessel Development Technology Using Digital Technology and High-Resolution and High-Precision Environmental Change Prediction Technologies to Support the Stable Operation of Vessels (Tentative Translation)."

The K Program promotes research, development, and practical application of cutting-edge key technologies that are essential for maintaining Japan’s strong international standing over the medium to long term. Given Japan’s status as a maritime nation, strengthening the global competitiveness of maritime clusters such as shipbuilding, shipping, and related maritime industries is vital for ensuring economic security.

Currently, the shipbuilding industry faces the challenge of delivering next-generation high-performance vessels that incorporate energy-saving technologies, autonomous navigation systems, and alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This project aims to bolster the competitiveness of Japan's shipbuilding and maritime industries by expediting the development, design, and construction of new vessels through the application of advanced digital technologies. A central component of the initiative is the creation of an integrated simulation platform that will serve as a foundation for optimizing ship specifications and construction plans. Additionally, the project seeks to optimize the life cycle of ship construction and operation by incorporating seasonal weather prediction technology capable of forecasting conditions up to three months in advance, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.

As a member of Japan’s maritime cluster, the NYK Group is committed to the development, design, and construction of these next-generation, high-performance ships by the Japanese shipbuilding industry. We are also dedicated to ensuring Japan's economic security through the procurement and stable operation of these ships, the cultivation of next-generation technical talent, and the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies into the maritime sector.

MTI Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd.
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
Japan Marine United Corporation
Mitsui E&S Co., Ltd.
National Maritime Research Institute
TSUNEISHI AKISHIMA LABORATORY Co., Ltd. (formerly Akishima Laboratory Inc.)
The University of Osaka
Kyoto University

Title of R&D Project: "Development of Integrated Simulation Platform for Sustainable and Competitive Maritime Industry" (Project title could be changed at a later stage)
Project Leader: Hideyuki Ando, Director, MTI Co., Ltd. (Will serve as program director (PD))
Implementation period: 5 years
Project budget: Maximum JPY 12 billion (Total budget for the entire R&D concept)

MTI release / “Development of Integrated Simulation Platform for Sustainable and Competitive Maritime Industry” has been selected as a R&D project under K Program