In the first series, “The Theory of Marine Civilization,” we explored new forms of civilization, and in the second series, “Water and Civilization,” we examined the water cycle and future technologies that underpin such civilizations.

In the third series, “The Future of Ships,” we will explore how to bridge these ideas and technologies with the real world and consider new possibilities for ships.

Throughout its long history, humanity has developed ships as a means of transportation for people and goods. However, ships of the future may evolve beyond their role as mere modes of transportation to become a new foundation that supports people’s lives and society.

So, will the ships of the future become “cities”？

◾️The Diverse Potential of Ships

Modern ships come in a wide variety of types and serve a range of purposes.

Large passenger ships are equipped with accommodations, medical facilities, power generation and water desalination systems, and other amenities, providing an environment where many people can live at sea. On the other hand, cargo ships and RO-RO vessels transport large quantities of goods and vehicles, while high-speed vessels demonstrate excellent maneuverability. There are also ships that fulfill specific social missions, such as hospital ships and oceanographic research vessels.

By combining the functions of these diverse vessels, might we be able to create a new form of social infrastructure that transcends the boundaries of conventional ships？

The potential of future ships lies not in their size or type, but in the value they can create for society.

◾️The Future Potential of a Maritime City

“Floating cities”—where people live on the water—are being studied as a new possibility for future society. The concept involves establishing residential, research, and public facilities on the water to create self-sustaining living spaces while recycling water and energy.

Floating cities not only address challenges such as population concentration and land scarcity but also hold the potential to create new lifestyles that are in harmony with the marine environment.

However, realizing a floating city requires the integration of not only construction technology but also a wide range of functions, such as energy, water, food, communications, and healthcare.

This is where demonstrating technology on ships and accumulating operational experience become crucial.

Ships of the future can thus serve as the first practical testing ground for developing the technologies and social systems that will support future floating cities.

◾️Project Seatopia Begins with a Ship

Project Seatopia is a long-term initiative aimed at realizing a marine civilization. The first step in this endeavor is the development and operation of next-generation vessels.

Rather than limiting ourselves to specific types of vessels, we will build mobile platforms equipped with the functions necessary for society, while leveraging the unique characteristics of each vessel.

In peacetime, it will serve as a “Multipurpose Future-Creating Vessel,” providing a venue for creating new value through research and development, demonstrations of future technologies, education, international conferences, and cultural exchange. In the event of a disaster, it will function as a “Mobile Emergency Relief Vessel,” providing water, electricity, communications, medical care, and daily necessities to support affected areas.

Furthermore, we envision applying the technology and operational experience gained from the vessel to island and coastal regions, with the long-term goal of contributing to the creation of marine cities.

In other words, for SEATOPIA, the vessel is not the ultimate goal. It is the first practical foundation for making a marine civilization a reality.

◾️Toward “Units of Civilization” Rather Than Cities

The marine civilization of the future will not be built around a single ship or a single floating city alone. Moving vessels, offshore research stations, islands and coastal regions, and future floating cities—each with its own unique functions—will work together and support one another to shape a new social system.

Ships connect one region to another through their movement, while floating cities serve as hubs where people live, conduct research, and nurture new cultures. Through the collaboration of these two elements, the possibilities for a new civilization—one that does not rely solely on fixed cities—will expand.

Both ships and floating cities serve as individual units that make up a maritime civilization. What matters is not just creating the form of a city, but what kind of civilization we nurture within it.

Will the ships of the future become cities？

The answer is neither a simple “yes” nor a simple “no.” While possessing the potential to evolve into cities, the ships of the future will first assume a new role as “units of civilization.”

Project Seatopia is a challenge that begins with ships, leads to the maritime cities of the future, and ultimately connects to the creation of a maritime civilization.