Four new companies—Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation, Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine&Engineering—have joined NAPA’s Digital Twin Project.
This marks the start of phase three, which focuses on developing a secure data-sharing framework between shipyards and shipowners to enhance the use of digital twins throughout a ship’s lifecycle. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, safety, and enable better data sharing, particularly regarding sensitive design and operational information.
The project aims to enable the use of a vessel’s unique design data to optimize efficiency and safety at sea as well as the sharing of operational data to inform new designs.
The first two phases of the project identified over 30 potential use cases where the data and 3D models used to design the ship can be shared securely and used to create a vessel-specific digital twin that helps improve operational efficiency and safety throughout its lifecycle.
According to NAPA, digital twins have the potential to play a crucial role in decarbonization by providing insights that inform decisions on energy efficiency and sustainability. As the project continues to evolve, the commercial launch in 2025 is eagerly anticipated.
These efforts will provide more clarity on the practical implications of deploying new technologies or contracts and help develop the new technologies and operational frameworks needed for the transition to net-zero.
… commented Naoki Mizutani, Executive Vice President for NAPA Studios at NAPA
The four new companies will join the original members, including shipowners Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), NYK Group company MTI Co. Ltd. (“MTI”), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Marubeni Corporation (Marubeni) and Marubeni Group company MMSL Japan Ltd., shipbuilders Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan Marine United Corporation, and Usuki Shipyard, software and data services provider NAPA, and classification society ClassNK.
We now have people from across a diverse range of maritime business areas and roles offering their valuable perspectives. With “K” LINE, NYK/MTI, MOL, and Marubeni/MMSL Japan involved, we also have representation from many prominent Japanese shipowners, highlighting the significance of Digital Twin technology and the strength of the collaborative project.
… said Yoshimichi Sasaki, General Manager, Digital Transformation Center at ClassNK.
Meanwhile, Akihiko Masutani, the Director and Chief General Manager of the Business & Technical Division at Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine&Engineering, expressed that through this endeavor, they aim to create innovation by integrating existing maritime technologies, such as wind propulsion, with advanced ICT and digitalization techniques, with the goal of making a meaningful contribution to the industry.
