On October 17, NYK’s Group company Keihin Dock Co., Ltd. (Keihin Dock) signed a joint demonstration agreement with Oceanic Constellations Inc. (OC), an ocean-tech startup headquartered in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. The agreement seeks to establish a mass-production system for small unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and accelerate the development of innovative solutions to tackle industry-wide marine challenges in Japan.

OC is committed to implementing a world-first approach to consistent ocean monitoring by deploying multiple USVs equipped with sensors and communication networks — an initiative they call “Oceanic Constellations”. Creating a reliable mass-production system for small USVs is central to realizing this advanced ocean infrastructure, which enables ocean surveillance, data collection, communication capability, and more.

As the only shipyard in the NYK Group, Keihin Dock has led research and development for next-generation, environment-friendly vessels. Past achievements include constructing the world’s first commercial ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, and other future-ready ship designs. By combining Keihin Dock’s proven shipbuilding and repair expertise with OC’s digital engineering capabilities, the collaboration aims to deliver Japan’s first USV mass-production system, paving the way for real-world applications.

Newly built USVs are expected to contribute to not only supporting solutions for marine environmental challenges but also NYK’s offshore reusable rocket recovery system. Since establishing its Advanced Tech and Space Business Development Team in April 2023, NYK has committed to leveraging its maritime knowledge and operational experience to pursue new lines of business, including offshore rocket launches and recovery. In June of this year, NYK and OC signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on NYK’s offshore reusable rocket recovery system (see related information), further strengthening this strategic relationship.

By drawing on the NYK Group’s extensive capabilities that range from small- and medium-sized shipbuilding to the space business, and by enhancing the partnership with OC, the group aims to co-create new solutions for various maritime issues and drive technological innovation across ocean and space domains.

Founded in November 2023 by a team with diverse backgrounds in space, IT, academia, and the automotive industry, OC was established as a groundbreaking marine startup based in Kamakura. Through a network of numerous USVs, it aims to implement advanced swarm-control technology integrating oceanic communication network management and energy management, collectively known as “Oceanic Constellations”. To date, the company has filed 25 patents essential for the construction of its USV constellations, securing rights to 18 of them. Aligning with central government agencies, local authorities, marine-related industries, and academia, OC is pushing toward full-scale commercialization and integrated development by 2027.
Website: https://www.oceanic-constellations.com/ (Japanese only)

Established in 1968 and situated in Tokyo Bay with facilities in Koyasu (Yokohama) and Oppama (Yokosuka), Keihin Dock is the only shipyard in the NYK Group. The company specializes in building and repairing small- and medium-sized vessels, advancing eco-friendly practices, and supporting research and development for next-generation fuel ships within the NYK Group. Notable achievements include the following:

2013: Built Tsubasa, Japan’s first hybrid-powered tugboat
2015: Built the world’s first LNG-fueled tugboat, Sakigake
2024: Converted Sakigake into an ammonia-fueled vessel, making it the world’s first ammonia-fueled tug in commercial service
2025: Constructing “e-Crea,” Japan’s first fully battery-driven work vessel
Currently building the first domestically produced electric propulsion tugboat equipped with a locally manufactured motor drive system
Website: https://www.keihindock.co.jp/ (Japanese only)