On October 28, NYK-operated Sakura Leader, Japan's first LNG-fueled pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), was accredited by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai as the world's first Digital Smart Ship (DSS), a ship class code (notation)* confirming that the vessel is equipped with advanced digital technology.

NYK’s medium-term management plan "Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green," encourages the development of ship operation data-related systems such as SIMS** and LiVE for Shipmanager,*** in addition to participation in the i-Shipping project**** and the assurance of optimal safe, economical operations. This DSS acquisition applies to the latter.

Nippon Kaiji Kyokai’s DSS notation was developed with the aim of supporting environmental conservation, safety improvement, and sustainable development at sea by promoting the expansion and development of new technologies. This particular accreditation was for DSS (Energy Efficiency), which applies to the analysis of energy consumption efficiency; DSS (Machinery Monitoring), which applies to engine monitoring, data processing on board, and data transmission to land; and DSS (Connected Ship).

The accreditation confirms that the vessel is making advanced efforts through the use of innovative technology. The acquisition of these three notations is more than just a concept-design recognition; in fact, Sakura Leader is the world’s first accredited ship to engage in actual operations.

With the support of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "Model Project for CO2 Emission Reduction Measures from Ships by Utilizing Alternative Fuels," this vessel will make maximum use of LNG fuel and demonstrate carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction in actual operations. Functions related to this DSS notation will also be utilized in measurement of emission reduction.

The acquisition of this notation aims to further improve environmental protection and safety by making use of our technical know-how and utilizing it for future technological development. Through these efforts, we will strive to explore and create new needs for our customers.

Based on the business strategy formulated in NYK’s medium-term management plan, the Group will develop business for advanced safe operation through the digitization of ships, further improvement of efficiency, and reduction of environmental loads.


* Ship Class Code (Notation)
Codes given by each classification society to ships and systems that meet requirements

** SIMS (Ship Management Information System)
A system developed by the Group for timely sharing of detailed ship data such as operation status, fuel efficiency, and plant status between ships and shore

*** LiVE for Shipmanager
An application that gathers various operation data collected by SIMS and enables shipowners and ship-management companies to use it for optimal operation and safe operation with low fuel consumption

**** i-Shipping
A project launched mainly by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in response to rising expectations for the advanced safety of vessels that utilize IoT in the shipping industry. NYK and MTI Co. Ltd. are participating in projects such as "engine plant accident prevention" and "collision prevention and autonomous ship maneuvering."