Selected for the BRIDGE Program: "R&D Project to Realize Next-Generation Shipyards through the Use of AI"
Announcement: Selected for the BRIDGE Program — “R&D Project to Realize Next-Generation Shipyards through the Use of AI”
On March 19, 2026, Noahlogy Inc. (CEO: Yusuke Fukuju) was selected as lead proposer for the "Development of a Versatile AI Design Support System Capable of Reading 2D Drawings" under BRIDGE, a national R&D program administered by the National Maritime Research Institute (NMRI) of Japan.
Project Summary (from NMRI)
Develop a system to facilitate the construction of rule databases reflecting ship safety regulations and company-specific checklists, and a shipbuilding-specialized AI design support agent. Through these efforts, address the shortage of experienced design engineers. Additionally, optimize design by feeding back structured repair record data into new ship design.
Our R&D Focus
Shipbuilding-Specialized AI Agent
Developing an AI agent that analyzes existing 2D design drawings (general arrangement plans, structural drawings, etc.) and automatically interprets design intent and structural specifications. 2D drawings remain the standard medium in shipbuilding practice.
Rule Database Construction System
Building a system to systematically organize classification society safety rules, international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, etc.), and each shipyard's proprietary checklists and know-how into a structured rule database.
Repair-to-Design Feedback
Structuring historical repair and maintenance data to create a knowledge base accessible during new ship design, enabling design quality optimization based on real-vessel insights.
Consortium Partners
- Lead Proposer: Noahlogy Co., Ltd.
- Co-proposers: Naikai Zosen Corporation, Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co., Ltd., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., Asakawa Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Hakata Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Mukaishima Dock Yard Co., Ltd., Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation, Honda Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Mirai Ships Inc., Fluid Techno Co., Ltd., Murakami Hide Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
- Co-implementation Partner: FRONT MISSION Inc.
Background
Japan's shipbuilding industry faces a severe labor shortage, particularly among younger workers, compounded by the aging of skilled craftspeople. Since each vessel has unique design specifications, mass production is not feasible, making knowledge transfer structurally difficult.
The BRIDGE program supports next-generation AI-powered shipyards, aligned with the Japan-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Memorandum (signed October 2025) and the Shipbuilding Industry Revitalization Roadmap (published December 2025). A total of 14 R&D projects were selected under this program.
▼ NMRI BRIDGE Program
