MOL Launches Efficiency Boosting Big Data Trial

MOL says the big data trial will promote innovation "throughout the entire maritime cluster."

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that it will be launching a trial use of big data technology on its vessels, which will support vessel efficiency, safety, and reduce environmental impact, among other benefits.

MOL says the big data initiative is being launched in cooperation with Ship Data Centre Co. Ltd. (Ship Data Center), a wholly owned subsidiary of classification society Nippon Kiji Kyokai (ClassNK).

During initial trials MOL will transfer data collected onboard MOL-operated vessels to Ship Data Center, where it will be aggregated in order to provide benefit to the entire maritime cluster, says the company.

MOL also says that the trial will promote innovation "throughout the entire maritime cluster," including shipyards, producers of ship supplies, ship's classes, societies, universities, as well as research institutes.

"Based on the analysis of onboard big data, MOL also aims to build a comprehensive vessel operation support network, which will improve operating safety, reduce vessels' environmental impact, make vessel operation more economical, enhance ship management, and promote high-quality training and education for seafarers," stated MOL.

The company says it has been working consistently to develop an environment that is conducive to big data collection from onboard the ships that it operates, as well as transferring that information from ship and shore in real time via a marine broadband service.

In December, Ship & Bunker reported that ClassNK had opened its Ship Data Center Co., Ltd. (Ship Data Center) in Tokyo, Japan in order to support the maritime industry's utilisation of data gathered from ship operations.