MOL introduces AR Navigation System at Maritime Conference in Dubai
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced that, along with Furuno Electric Co., Ltd., it made a joint presentation of their advanced augmented reality (AR)-based Navigation System to about 200 tanker industry representatives at the ENOC Marine Conference and OCIMF Middle East Regional Marine Forum held in Dubai in September. The presentation introduced the background behind the technology and development of the system, as well as MOL’s efforts to "forge ahead to become the world leader in safe operation." The AR Navigation System provides visual support to crewmembers during their watch-keeping and ship operations by using AR technology to superimpose real-time video imagery and voyage information.
Large tankers, which have a deep draft, require very careful ship operations in waters such as the Strait of Malacca, a highly congested shipping lane. If a collision or grounding occurred, it could lead to an oil spill and serious environmental disaster.
AR Navigation System can display combined real-time video images and vehicle course information from nautical instruments on a display in the bridge even in congested sea lanes. Since it allows mariners, at a glance, to ensure that they are on a safe course, alerts them to nearby vessels that could pose a risk, shallow sea areas, and other potential hazards. The presentation gained considerable interest among tanker industry representatives in attendance at the conference.
