Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Meltin MMI (Meltin) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for installation of remotely controlled robots in ocean shipping operations.
Announced on 23 August 2021, the MoU will use remote-controlled robots in areas such as dangerous, time-consuming work or duties done in extremely high and low-temperature environments.
The MoU will seek to reduce the workload on seafarers, particularly in tasks that present challenges to hands-on operation.
MOL and Meltin have studied the possibility of addressing a wide variety of issues in the ocean shipping industry by introducing Meltin’s technology.
MOL says advances have been made in the high-speed onboard telecommunication environment in recent years, improving telecommunication with Meltin’s remote-control robotic technology.
Both companies are committed to building a strategic relationship to introduce MELTIN’s technology and proceed with more detailed and specific studies, which led to the conclusion of the MoU.
The companies will push forward to study details specific to different vessel types and routes for introduction of remotely-controlled robots and associated technologies, determining the feasibility of introduction and the level of onboard telecommunication technology required at sea.
The intention of the MoU is to implement a Proof of Concept, which assumes practical use.
