K LINE, K LINE KINKAI, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) have agreed to carry out the research and development of the “Safe Berthing/Unberthing Assist System” to enhance safety and efficiency of vessel maneuvering, berthing/unberthing, and mooring operations in ports.
The research and development aim to advance and improve safety and efficiency in berthing, Unberthing, including mooring by combining expertise from “K” LINE and “K” LINE KINKAI with advanced technologies from KHI.
Currently, safe berthing/unberthing operations in ports are ensured by well experienced and knowledgeable shipboard crew about characteristics of ship specific maneuvering and mooring equipment features.
For further improvement of safety, this system incorporates the latest technologies, including AI, to assist in safe berthing/unberthing operations.
It will be the first system in the world that provides integrated support for all necessary operations from maneuvering in port, berthing/unberthing, mooring including mooring line monitoring.
We will install the system on domestic vessels operated by “K” LINE KINKAI as a testing ground for this research and development and establish this system by spring 2025
said K Line.
“K” LINE group is currently working on the “K”-Assist Project (“K” LINE Autonomous Ship with Safe and Intelligent Supporting Technology), which aims to further enhance safe ship operations through the integration of expertise in safe operations and advanced technologies. “Safe Berthing/Unberthing Assist System” is one of the components of the project.
