Japan launches first remote crane trial

According to Japan International Freight Forwarders Association (JIFFA), a gantry crane at the Port of Yokohama will soon be operated by remote control, a first for Japan.

Yokohama Kawasaki International Port Corp. (YKIP) and JFE Engineering have launched a trial at Minami Honmoku Pier. The goal? To explore what it takes to remotely run one of the largest container cranes in the country.

The crane can handle 24 bays and nine tiers of containers. YKIP owns the crane, while JFE Engineering built it. Together, they’ll collect data using cameras and sensors. Onshore and onboard teams will monitor every move, tracking containers and ship positions in real time.

This is more than a tech demo. JFE Engineering wants to identify real-world challenges that current systems can’t yet solve. Remote crane operations could be key to tackling labor shortages and boosting efficiency across Japanese ports.

This trial marks an important step toward automation in large-scale port operations.

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