MOL, MES to develop next-gen Smart Ship systems

JUNE 26, 2017 — Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) have reached an agrerement to jointly develop next-generation vessel monitoring and support systems for practical applications and commercialization.

MOL is positioning the joint development as a part of its “Ishin Next – MOL Smart Ship project.”

Based on real time data, for example from navigation systems and machinery, acquired by MES data collecting units, the joint development will focus on a next-generation vessel monitoring and support system, utilizing MOL’s operational experience and technologies and MES’s experences as a shipbuilder along with the latest information and communications technologies (ICT) and system integrators.

Short cycle data and big data will also be analyzed.

MOL says all this will boost itsefforts to achieve the “prevention of marine incidents”, the “prevention of equipment failure”, and “optimized vessel routing” through the integration of ICT related components such as AI (artificial intelligence)

MOL and MES also participate in an Autonomous Ocean Transport system R&D project, selected by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (MLIT) for its fiscal year 2017 Transportation Research and Technology Promotion Program. The purpose of this project is to establish road maps toward autonomous vessels, which is expected to deliver safer and more efficient marine transportation.

MOL and MES are inviting other interested parties, such as engine manufacturers, to support and compliment development of the next-generation vessel monitoring and support systems.