31 January 2023 (Lloyd's List) - NIPPON Yusen Kaisha has partnered up with Japanese technology company Ghelia to pursue the use of artificial intelligence in shipping. The partnership, which includes an investment by NYK, will see the two companies collaborate on research and development for autonomous ships as well as avoidance navigation. NYK will also introduce Ghelia’s AI technologies to the company’s internal business processes, it said. “We are convinced that this capital and business alliance with Ghelia, which has been providing AI solutions to a wide variety of customers through the company’s strength in AI development, will hugely contribute to further technological development in the shipping industry and the promotion of business digital transformation through the use of AI,” said NYK chief executive Hideki Suzuki. “In the future, we expect to not only practically utilise AI technologies in NYK but also work on creating new value by providing AI services that lead the shipping industry.” “Through this alliance with NYK, a pioneer in the shipping industry, we will lead the practical application of AI solutions in the shipping industry, where digitisation and implementation of AI are urgently needed on a global level. Together with NYK, we will promote the transformation of this industry,” said Ghelia chief executive Makoto Saito.