Japanese shipping firm Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and SenseTime Japan have released a vessel image recognition and recording system to support automated monitoring of ships.

Powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the system will be installed and tested on board the cruise ship Nippon Maru, which is managed by Mitsui OSK Passenger Line.

The new system’s graphics recognition engine has been developed using MOL’s AI deep learning technology.

Featuring a terminal equipped with a graphics processing unit (GPU) along with ultra high-resolution cameras, the system can automatically detect and record ships with high precision.

MOL said that the image recognition technology works optimally even at night or in conditions without clear visibility.

It also recognises small vessels that are difficult to identify by vessel automatic identification systems (AIS).

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In the future, the technology can be combined with other systems to develop automated ship watchkeeping.

Additionally, MOL will assess the automatically recorded data so that the analysis accuracy of image recognition engine can be further augmented.

This system automatically records image data. MOL noted that it intends to analyse the accumulated data and use it to further improve the image recognition engine’s analysis accuracy.

The launch of the new system forms part of the company’s ‘Ishin Next – MOL Smart Ship Project’, which was launched in 2016. This project is aimed at leveraging information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance service quality and efficiency.

In June, Hong Kong LNG Terminal signed a charter contract with Mitsui OSK Lines to supply a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) for an offshore terminal project.