MOL Adopts Thermal Imaging System to Enhance Safety of Coal Carrier Operation
- Real-time temperature monitoring helps prevent fires -

November 20, 2015

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Junichiro Ikeda) today announced the introduction of the FLIR C2 thermal imaging system commercialized by FLIR Systems Japan K.K. (President: Taizo Kagawa; Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) on MOL Group-operated coal carriers. The system, which relies on infrared rays, helps prevent spontaneous combustion of coal in the cargo hold, enhancing the MOL group's safe operation system.

Coal loaded in the hold can oxidize, generating heat during transport and cargo operations. This can result in fires in the cargo hold or at unloading stock yards. International rule (the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code) stipulate various measures for ocean transport of coal, for example, coal may not be loaded if it is warmer than a specified temperature before loading, and the cargo hold temperature and gas atmosphere must be monitored periodically to detect dangerous conditions.

The cameras allow the crew to quickly pinpoint and visualize high temperatures and combustion spots using infrared rays, not only in the cargo hold but also in other areas of the vessel, allowing remote monitoring of the engine room, for example. The system will play a key role in preventing onboard fires and burn injuries.

To forge ahead to achieve a worldwide leadership in safe operation, the MOL Group has worked proactively to provide a safe and stable supply of energy resources by drawing upon its accumulated experience and know-how and accurately grasping customers' transport needs.