Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has announced an extensive research partnership to develop “autonomous ships of the future” by developing applications of advanced navigation support systems.
The other parties aiding MOL – MOL Techno-Trade, Japan’s National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology, and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology – will conduct research into how crucial the technology will be to the safe navigation of both conventional and autonomous ships.
MOL is also developing a navigation support system that would introduce the concept of Obstacle Zone by Target (OZT).
Erik Hietbrink explores the value of maritime simulators in a recent Port Technology technical paper
The obstacle zone is an area that poses increased risk of collision with other nearby ships, a threat that MOL wants to detect and display as a new feature of the technology.
OZT may also use Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), which creates tracks using radar contacts, to create new technologies.
The new research partnership is part of MOL’s technological development project, ‘ISHIN NEXT – MOL SMART SHIP PROJECT’, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of MOL’s services and ensure safe, reliable transport.
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