Using AR to support ship operation

Information such as other ships sailing around the vessel and landmarks like buoys at sea, can be shown on tablets and other displays.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is using augmented reality (AR) technology to support ship operation during voyages.
Furuno Electric and MOL Techno-Trade jointly developed this technology on a very large crude carrier (VLCC) and car carrier.
In this project, tablets and other displays will show information such as other ships sailing around the vessel and landmarks like buoys at sea.  The info is based on data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS).
The tablets can also show images of landscapes taken from the bridge.  These images will overlap with AR to provide visual support to crewmembers operating ships and keeping watch during voyages.
The AR display screen was upgraded based on feedback of an initial trial that started in March using a next-generation FLEXIE car carrier, the Beluga Ace.
The screen allows the officer on watch to check important voyage information such as the speed of other vessels, the closest approach time, and the closest approach distance at a glance.
The newbuilding VLCC Suzukasan will have an experimental version of this upgraded system.  This is to enable continued demonstration tests aimed at verifying the performance of the AR display screen.
Additional vessels will have this system, which supports ship operation and watch-keeping, in succession.
 

Make seafaring great again

Make seafaring great again

An overwhelming 80 percent of global goods are transported by ships and this fact places the maritime industry at the

The best maritime news and insights delivered to you.

Here's what you can expect from us:

  • Event offers and discounts
  • News & key insights of the maritime industry
  • Expert analysis and opinions on corruption and more