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ICT Utilization for Safe, Efficient Operation
- FOCUS
- Fleet Guardian
- Digitalization of Onboard Operations
- Improvement of Onboard Communication
& Security Enhancement - Unmanned Ships
- AR Navigation
FOCUS (Next-Generation Ship Management Support System)
FOCUS (Fleet Optimal Control Unified System) is an application that integrates up to 10,000 sensor data points per ship collected from approximately 270 vessels and report information from about 650 vessels. It aims to enhance safe navigation, reduce environmental impact, and share images and videos between ships and land by utilizing big data related to navigation and machinery of our operated vessels. Additionally, it incorporates the know-how of safe and environmentally friendly navigation that our company has accumulated over many years into its analysis technology.
FOCUS provides functions that meet the needs of various ship types and maritime stakeholders from the standpoint of a comprehensive shipping company, supporting the efficiency of ship operations and environmental protection.
Fleet Guardian (Next-Generation Engine Failure Prediction and Diagnosis System)
Fleet Guardian is a tool that performs condition diagnosis based on operational data to predict and detect abnormalities in equipment, ensuring proper maintenance and operation of marine engines and equipment. By improving the efficiency and quality of on-site operational management through condition diagnosis, it aims to contribute to stable navigation. Preventing main engine failures, which are the main cause of operational stoppages, can effectively contribute to stable navigation.
Additionally, by continuously aligning diagnostic results with actual operating conditions, we aim to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnostics and accumulate know-how in equipment operation technology.
Expansion of Onboard Manual Work Digitization, Utilization of Generative AI, and Construction of Ship-Land Data Linkage System
Considering the improvement of communication environments with the advent of low-orbit satellites and the emergence of generative AI, we are promoting various initiatives to improve safety quality and transportation efficiency by organizing the digital tools and operational challenges introduced onboard so far. We are promoting the digitization of onboard operations through the development and introduction of digital applications for E-LOGBOOK and onboard document work, as well as supporting onboard operations from land through ship-land data linkage. Furthermore, we are connecting these initiatives with the utilization of data from FOCUS and Fleet Guardian.
Improvement of Ship-Land and Onboard Communication Environments and Security Enhancement
To improve the communication infrastructure between ships and land, we are sequentially installing low-orbit satellites on our group-managed vessels, with the installation on all vessels to be completed by the end of fiscal 2024. Additionally, we are considering the optimal combination of new and existing ships for the construction of onboard Wi-Fi networks, which is the foundation of onboard digitization, and have begun verification work on actual ships.
Along with improving the communication environment, we are also working on strengthening the system for onboard cybersecurity measures. Regarding the "IACS United Requirement (E26, E27)" that came into effect on July 1, 2024, for new ships, we will implement similar measures for existing ships to enhance security.
Technology Development Assistance Program for the Social Implementation of Unmanned Ships
We are participating as a member of the consortium "Designing the Future of Fully Autonomous Ships Plus," consisting of 51 domestic companies, in the "Technology Development Assistance Program for the Social Implementation of Unmanned Ships" under the MEGURI2040 unmanned ship project promoted by The Nippon Foundation.
This program is positioned as the second stage of MEGURI2040, which started in 2020, and aims for the practical application of unmanned ship element technologies in 2025, cultivated in the first stage "Joint Technology Development Program for Demonstration Experiments of Unmanned Ships," together with The Nippon Foundation.
AR Navigation Information Display System
We have jointly developed a navigation information display system using Augmented Reality (AR) technology with Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. (Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture) and MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd.
By integrating real-time video from cameras installed on the bridge with information from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and radar, it visually supports the lookout and maneuvering of crew members during navigation by displaying information on planned routes, other ships navigating around the vessel, and shallow waters on tablets or displays. Based on feedback from crew members, we are developing technology to view 360° AR images as a further functional expansion. We aim to create an environment that ensures safe and secure navigation by utilizing this system.
