Japan is set to begin service of the world’s first commercial autonomous passenger ship. The vessel, Olympia Dream Seto, will operate between Okayama city and Shodoshima island in western Japan.
The ferry has been officially certified by the Japanese government as an “autonomous ship”, making it the first passenger vessel in the world to carry ordinary travellers using automated navigation.
The project aims to tackle crew shortages and reduce accidents caused by human error.
Passengers and system personnel have already started familiarisation trips this week. Full commercial operations are expected by the end of fiscal 2025, which concludes on 31 March 2026, according to The Nippon Foundation.
The Olympia Dream Seto can operate fully automatically under certain conditions. Its sensors detect surroundings, adjust the course, avoid obstacles, and control the rudder and propeller. Manual control can be used in case of danger.
The autonomous ship project began in 2020, led by The Nippon Foundation in
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