Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that the company has signed an agreement with U.K.-based engineering conglomerate Rolls-Royce Marine on the joint research of an advisory type Intelligent Awareness System (IAS).
This joint project will use Rolls-Royce’s IAS, which can be an underlying technology, and the IAS will be installed on a ferry in service. The technology will be used in new sensors for nautical instruments, like ship radar.
The project aims to allow detection of ships sailing nearby as well as obstacles by integration and analysis of the data obtained, and swift provision of accurate ship operation support information to officers onboard immediately.
By integrating data such as weather and route information in the sea area where the ship is in operation, the AI system is capable of detecting obstacles with greater accuracy and draw upon advanced ergonomics to provide a more effective user interface for the crew.
The companies expect this system to help in the creation of the autonomous navigation technology.
The IAS will be used on a ferry in service in the Seto Naikai Inland Sea, operated by MOL. The Inland Sea is one of the world’s most congested sea areas. MOL and Rolls-Royce will collect and analyze data on marine currents, vessel traffic congestion and other conditions in the area to promote practical application and research of the system.
