MOL Launches "FOCUS" Project

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that it has joined forces with Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding and Weathernews to launch the Fleet Optimal Control Unified System (FOCUS), a project that will gather and apply ship operation data to ensure safer, more environmentally friendly ocean transport.

With information and communication technology (ICT) such as IoT and Big Data rapidly expanding, and new possibilities opening up for ICT applications aboard vessels, on shore, and in between, the three companies decided to undertake this task as a core project to promote the use and application of ICT.

Detailed voyage and engine data on actual voyages will be collected from about 150 vessels in operation and stored in a cloud-based data platform to develop applications for advanced ship operation monitoring and propulsion performance analysis that draws upon all three companies' technology and know-how.

The project will further enhance safe operation and reduce environmental impact through user-friendly applications, which will further deepen cooperation between vessels and shore-based facilities.

Through "FOCUS", the three companies continuously strive to develop even more effective applications, which use actual operational data, such as Condition Based Maintenance (CBM), which relies on engine status diagnosis and failure sign diagnosis technologies, realizing "visualization at sea" by transmitting voice and visual information of vessels in operation to the shore side, optimizing operation by applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and enhancing ship management by applying digital twin technology.

Condition Based Maintenance refers to conservation of status standards. Unlike Time Based Maintenance (TBM), which conventionally maintains equipment and components at fixed periods of time, Condition Based Maintenance is a way to monitor equipment and components, and maintain them at the appropriate time after identifying parts most likely to require maintenance.

Digital twin technology is a way to digitally reproduce events in physical spaces. It builds twin-like simulation space into the system, and is used to change the design and optimize it by individual customization, as well as diagnose status and identify signs of failure.

MOL takes a proactive stance in collaboration with companies and research institutes that transcends business categories, pursuing convenient, stress-free services for customers.