Port of South LouisianaPort of StocktonVan AalstBühler GmbHTBA GroupThe Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Cimbria
  • Port of Stockton
  • Van Aalst
  • TBA Group

MOL ensures world-leading safety level

MOL ensures world-leading safety level

(Posted on 24/04/19)

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has announced its intention to install a navigation system using augmented reality (AR) technology jointly developed by Furuno Electric Co., Ltd and MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. on 21 MOL Group-operated very large crude oil carriers (VLCCs).

MOL will sequentially install the system in its energy transport fleet including LNG carriers, as well as its dry bulkers to provide seafarers with greater support in watch-keeping and ship operation during voyages, and continue to refine and enhance its effectiveness. In addition, MOL expects this technology to play a key role in realizing autonomous ships in the future.

The system displays information on other vessels sailing on a vessel's planned route and surrounding sea areas and other ocean conditions, such as shallow waters, on tablets and screens. It integrates information from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and radar with real-time video images from the bridge camera in collaboration with Furuno Electric's cutting-edge Electric Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) FMD3300 series. The system provides visual support to crewmembers during their watch-keeping and ship operations by using AR technology to superimposing real-time video imagery and voyage information.

The system has been installed on the 1st MOL's next-generation FLEXIE Series car carrier, Beluga Ace (Note 1), which was delivered in March 2018, and VLCC Suzukasan, delivered in October 2018 for the demonstration test. MOL has continued to refine the AR display screen and verify the system's effectiveness. In officially commercializing the system under the Furuno Electric brand, it will be installed on MOL's VLCC fleet, a vessel type that requires the highest level of operating safety, with the goal of achieving an even greater margin of safety. Due to its deep draft, VLCC operations require special care when navigating on the waters such as the Straits of Singapore and Malacca, a heavily trafficked sea lane that has limited areas. The project partners developed the system to support crewmembers, alerting them to other vessels they need to watch, the location of shallow waters, and so on, by displaying integrated real-time video images with information from nautical instruments on screens on the bridge even in congested sea lanes. The system will further enhance MOL's marine technical skills, moving the company toward its objective of becoming "the world leader in safe operation." (Note 2)

MOL has moved ahead with advanced support of safe operation and reduction of its environmental impact, as set out in the "ISHIN NEXT - MOL SMART SHIP PROJECT -," which began in November 2016, and aims to become customers' first choice as a logistics partner by applying ICT technology to improve service quality and efficiency.

Latest News

Groke brings new situation awareness expertise to One Sea

(Posted on 24/03/23)

One Sea has welcomeed Finnish start-up Groke Technologies as its new member, bringing additional expertise... Read more


ClassNK releases FAQs on EU-ETS for shipping

(Posted on 24/03/23)

ClassNK has released “FAQs on the EU-ETS for Shipping”, an overview and necessary preparation... Read more


New AXSMarine tool helps users visualize CO2 emissions and CII

(Posted on 20/03/23)

AXSMarine, a pioneer and market leader in the provision of advanced solutions for shipping professionals... Read more


Shipzero advances the decarbonization of logistics

(Posted on 20/03/23)

Shipzero is enabling transport and logistics companies to create transparency about their emissions... Read more


Isle of Man Ship Registry joins INTERCARGO

(Posted on 07/03/23)

The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) has become an associate member of The International Association... Read more


More investment into crews’ health and nutrition says MCTC

(Posted on 07/03/23)

The wellbeing of crew members is becoming more important to shipping companies says leading catering... Read more


Strong demand and diversified vessel portfolio fuels strong Algoma performance

(Posted on 28/02/23)

Canada based Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the year ended 31 December, 2022... Read more


Ukrainian seafarers back, but many have suffered trauma

(Posted on 24/02/23)

Ukrainian seafarers have largely returned to international shipping thereby restoring balance in crew... Read more


Round Table prioritises seafarers at first in-person meeting since COVID

(Posted on 24/02/23)

The Chairs of the Round Table of International Shipping Associations met in Athens last week to renew... Read more


AXSMarine invests in Nextvoyage

(Posted on 21/02/23)

AXSMarine, a leading provider of SaaS shipping software and data for decision making in the chartering... Read more


TOC Europe 2023Sailors SocietyViganTelestackCimbria
  • Vigan
  • Telestack

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping