Japan Coast Guard trials self-piloting boat for gas leak detection

TechnologyDrone vessel made by Yanmar aims to save time while reducing risk to human crewsThe Japan Coast Guard has tested out Yanmar's uncrewed gas detection boat near Yokohama. (Yanmar)ANNA SATOAugust 25, 2026 02:26 JSTTOKYO -- The Japan Coast Guard is testing the country's first fully automated boat navigation system, developed by Yanmar Holdings, to make detection of dangerous gases after boat accidents safer and less labor-intensive.