MOL to Start Joint Study on Collision Avoidance Algorithms and Autonomous Collision Avoidance
-Named 'Focus Brain' Series Aspiring Development of Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Navigation-

December 20, 2019

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Junichiro Ikeda) today announced that the company, along with MOL Marine Co., Ltd. (President: Toshikazu Inaoka; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), National Maritime Research Institute of National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology(MPAT; President: Hiroyuki Yamato; Headquarters: Mitaka-shi, Tokyo), and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (President: Toshio Takeuchi; Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo) have signed a contract under which they will conduct a joint study on collision avoidance algorithms and autonomous collision avoidance.

The project members will study collision avoidance algorithms and autonomous navigation/remote ship operation system. The system will be assessed by active watch officers using a ship handling simulator and actual vessels, in preparation for installing on in-service vessels.

In the project, AI technology (Note 1), such as rule-based AI and deep reinforcement learning technique, and Obstacle Zone by Target (OZT) (Note 2) algorithm are used to make a decision to avoid collision dangers and to take actions to avoid the target ships.

MOL has been already categorized its research on navigation support systems related to "recognition" such as "AR Navigation Information Display System" (Note 3) as its "FOCUS EYE" series. In order to accelerate its programs to advance safe operation and to realize autonomously navigated vessels (Note 4), MOL has newly set up "FOCUS BRAIN" series to categorize navigation support systems related to "decision making," such as the collision avoidance.

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

* AIS: Automatic Identification System; TT: Target Tracking

(Note 1)
Rule-based AI and deep reinforcement learning are approaches of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology

Ruled-based AI: A method of decision making of action in a given condition using rules made by human.

Deep Reinforcement learning: A method of decision making of action using knowledge learned by trial and error by machine. (one of the machine learning's algorithms).

(Note 2)
Obstacle Zone by Target (OZT) is an area where a vessel may possibly collide with the other vessel sailing around it (other vessel) when it is aimed at the area. Our algorithm conducts an evasive maneuver by navigating a course that avoids OZT.
Please refer to the following two press releases for details.

July 6, 2018 press release: MOL to Join Research on Advanced Navigation Support System Leading to Automatic Collision Avoidance Function - Further Initiatives to Realize Future Autonomous Ships -

December 21, 2018 press release: MOL Conducts Assessment and Feasibility Study of Advanced Navigation Support System Utilizing Collision Avoidance Algorithm -Initiative Leads to Automatic Prevention of Collisions; Marks Step toward Autonomous Sailing-

(Note 3)
Please refer to the following three press releases:
December 26, 2017 press release: MOL Jointly Develops Voyage Information Display System Using AR Technology that Will Lead to Autonomous Ships in the Future - Supporting Ship Operation and Watch-keeping to Enhance Safety -

October 11, 2018 press release: MOL Plans to Install Voyage Information Display System Using AR Technology on VLCC subsequently to Car Carrier - Supporting Ship Operation and Watch-keeping to Enhance Safety -

April 22, 2019 press release: MOL to Install AR Navigation System on 21 VLCCs - Supporting Watch-keeping and Ship Operation during Voyages to Ensure World-leading Level of Safety -

(Note 4)
Please refer to the following diagram and press release.

October 15, 2018 press release: Launching of the "FOCUS" Project - Collaborative Innovation Transcending Business Categories; ICT-based, Data-driven Project Aims at Safer Operation and Cleaner Environment -