A China-designed autonomous navigation system for an oceangoing bulk carrier was certified by the American Bureau of Shipping on Dec 4.

Developed by the Shanghai-based China State Shipbuilding Corporation's 704 Research Institute, the navigation system was approved by ABS for use on the 82,000-ton CS JINAN vessel.

This is the first such certificate of its kind granted globally by ABS to an oceangoing bulk carrier, marking a major milestone in the autonomous navigation development for bulk carriers worldwide.

During the certification process, ABS conducted comprehensive and rigorous real-ship tests on the vessel's autonomous navigation system.

Key technologies for large oceangoing vessels, such as integrated perception and collision avoidance decision-making, as well as the ship's ability to navigate autonomously under human supervision, were thoroughly validated.

The results confirmed that the system's core indicators, including reliability, safety, and intelligence, meet leading international standards.

The application of the autonomous navigation system on the vessel is expected to significantly reduce risks associated with human operation, enhance navigational safety, alleviate crew workload, and improve operational efficiency for shipowners.

It is also the world's first large oceangoing bulk carrier capable of autonomous navigation in open waters.

Source: Shanghai Observer