Maritime DX

Recent technological advances in artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and autonomous ships, together with the digitization of trade documents, are set to fundamentally transform the shipping and shipbuilding industries. 

 

Our firm brings extensive expertise to bear in delivering appropriate legal solutions to shipowners and operators, shipbuilders and marine equipment manufacturers, shippers, financial institutions, and government agencies regarding the unprecedented legal challenges and technological innovations that accompany the adoption of next-generation digital technologies (Maritime DX).

 

 

Key Practice Areas

• Use of Vessel IoT and Data

  Advice on and review of contracts related to data usage rights, the handling of derived data, data confidentiality and competition law considerations. Drafting and review of system development contracts, SaaS terms of use and other contracts related to the development and implementation of vessel operation management systems, maritime blockchain systems, and data platforms.

• Cybersecurity

  Advice on and review of contracts related to cyber risk management and the incorporation of cybersecurity management into shipbuilding contracts, maintenance agreements, etc., as well as the allocation of liability in the event of a cybersecurity incident.

• Support for Autonomous Ship Development & Sea Trials

  Support with government approval for the development and sea trials of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS); advice and review of related contracts concerning risk management and other issues.

• Research on International Conventions & Laws and Regulations

  Research and advice on international conventions and applicable laws and regulations, taking into account developments at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), particularly in relation to MASS.

• Digital Trade Documents & Documentary Credits

  Advice and dispute resolution concerning the digitization of trade documents and the presentation of, and discrepancies in, documentary letters of credit.

• Economic Security & Technology Management

  Advice on technology management and the protection of sensitive technologies from an economic security perspective.

 

Related Publications

• “Issues and Prospects concerning Data Utilization Focusing on Industrial Data: Regulatory Trends Surrounding Industrial Data, etc.,” NBL, Shojihomu (2023-2024)
• “EU Data Law Initiative and the Potential for Comprehensive Data Use Legislation,” Law & Technology No.97 (Discussion Meeting) (2022)
• “Current Status of Autonomous Driving Technology and Future Outlook of Car Insurance,” KINZAI Financial Plan No. 386, Kinzai Institute for Financial Affairs, Inc. (April, 2017) [Co-author]

 

Related Seminars

• “Session 5: Exchanges on Legal System for Automated Driving between the UK and Japan,” at an event entitled “Agile Governance Symposium 5th Tokyo/Kyoto,” hosted by Kyoto University The Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Law and Policy (KILAP), April 4, 2026

 

Related Engagements

• Digitization of Trade and Bills of Lading
  • Member of the "Trade Data Partnership Working Group" of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (June 2022-)
  • Expert Committee Member of the Investments, Etc. Working Group, Council for Regulatory Reform, Cabinet Office (December 2019-)
• Autonomous Operation and Automated Driving
  • Member of the Sub-Working Group on Social Rules for Self-Driving Cars in the AI Era, Mobility Working Group, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (December 2023-) 
  • Member of the National Strategic Special Zones Working Group, Cabinet Office (April 2021-); Deputy Chair of the Working Group (September 2022-)
• Trade Finance and Payments
  • Japanese Banks' Payment Clearing Network (Zengin-net)
    • Member of the Study Group on the Future of the Fund Settlement System (FY2025)
    • Member of the Working Group on the Promotion of System Upgrading and Data Linkage of the Zengin System (FY2025)
    • Member of the Working Group for the Promotion of ZEDI Utilization (October 2021-)
• Data and Cybersecurity
  • Submitted an opinion entitled “Integrated Reform of Regulations, Standards, and Certification toward the Realization of the Growth Strategy” to the 27th Meeting of the Council for Regulatory Reform, Cabinet Office (February 26, 2026)
  • Member of the Japanese National Committee for ISO/TC 68 (June 2017-)
  • Member of the Japanese National Committee for ISO/TC 307 (April 2018-)

 

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