The University of Osaka, shook hands with Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan Marine United Corporation, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), MTI Co., Ltd., to establish the Open Collaboration Laboratory for Enabling Advanced Marine Systems (OCEANS) in April 2025, aiming to enhance the global competitiveness of Japan’s maritime industry.
As stated, the collaboration, established under the “Industry on Campus” program promoted by the University of Osaka, integrates diverse engineering fields such as ship hydro and structural dynamics, propulsion, electrical systems, and control systems. Leveraging advanced systems engineering and AI technologies, this initiative also aims to serve as a hub for education and training.
In addition, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (NSY) and Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU), will also cooperate with the program. NSY will actively participate in the design and engineering research activities led by OCEANS.
Research Focus Areas
- Basic research on innovative systems engineering and design automation
- Resilience of supply chain for stable marine transportation
- Application of AI in ship basic design, function design and certification
- Production design and digital shipyards
- Digital twin technologies in ship operation and maintenance
- Individual studies on design, construction, operation, and certification, including both open and closed research projects
- Education and training for the next generation of maritime industry experts
In addition to the essential transition to alternative fuels for GHG reduction, advancements in ship automation technologies are anticipated to progress further. This will lead to increased complexity in the processes of design, construction, certification, and operation.
To address these challenges, systems leveraging technologies such as AI will be indispensable for the future of the maritime industry. This research laboratory will undertake these studies, contributing to the enhancement of the global competitiveness of Japan’s maritime industry.
…the joint statement highlights.
