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The Soleil, shown here in dock before the voyage, is licensed to carry 268 persons.
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The ship’s vehicle deck holds up to 154 trucks and 30 cars.
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This array of infrared cameras serves as the eyes of the target image analysis system.
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Monitors show data from the Super Bridge X system (left) and infrared cameras.
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The ship’s bridge during autonomous operation, with no hands on the wheel.
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LiDAR determines the proximity and position of the berth.
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The automated berthing system interface (left) provides a visual display of the instructions issued by the ship’s AI. A navigation system shows the ship’s position in real time.
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From left, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Executive Vice President Ueda Naoki, Nippon Foundation Executive Director Unno Mitsuyuki, and Shin Nihonkai Ferry Executive Director Sasaki Masami commemorate the test voyage in Shinmoji, Fukuoka, on January 17, 2022.
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The Sea Friend Zero successfully completed an autonomous voyage between Shin-Mikasabashi and the island of Sarushima in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, on January 11. (Courtesy the Nippon Foundation)
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During the voyage, throttles and other controls on the bridge move by themselves. (Courtesy the Nippon Foundation)
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The Soleil returns to dock after its seven-hour test voyage. (Courtesy the Nippon Foundation)
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The grand entrance hall of the Soleil. Automation looks set to make maritime travel a bigger part of our lives.
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