MOL Launches Trial Use of Big Data to Promote Growth of Maritime Cluster
- Accumulating Onboard Data from Operated Vessels, Supporting Innovation throughout Maritime Industry -

February 19, 2016

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Junichiro Ikeda) today announced that it will launch trial of onboard data transmission and accumulation for its operated vessels in cooperation with Ship Data Center Co., Ltd.(*) (Representative Director: Yasushi Nakamura; Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK).

MOL has worked steadily to create an environment that allows the collection of big data from onboard its operated vessels, and sharing the information between ship and shore in real time using marine broadband service. Based on the analysis of onboard big data, MOL also aims to build a comprehensive vessel operation support network, which will improve operating safety, reduce vessels' environmental impact, make vessel operation more economical, enhance ship management, and promote high-quality training and education for seafarers.

In the initial trials, MOL will transport onboard big data acquired from MOL-operated vessels to Ship Data Center, where it will be accumulated or the benefit of the entire maritime cluster. MOL believes supporting this trial effort will promote innovation throughout the entire maritime cluster, including producers of ship supplies, shipyards, ship's classes, societies, universities and research institutes.

With the goal of becoming the world leader in safe operation, the entire MOL Group, on land and sea, is united to proactively develop and introduce technologies that will contribute to safe, reliable operation and build and maintain the trust of valuable customers. In addition, as the world's leading shipping company, MOL takes a proactive stance in efforts to promote the continued growth of the maritime industry.

(*) Ship Data Center Co., Ltd. offers consolidated management of vessel operation data and establishes a system to supply data, aiming to promote use and application of data. Its objectives are to contribute to international shipping and maritime industries, and create new businesses by enhancing the IT foundation of the maritime clusters through promotion of data use and application.