Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has invited ClassNK subsidiary NAPA, a maritime software and data analysis provider, to join its MOL FOCUS project, to explore opportunities to improve the collection and application of ship operation data.
FOCUS is a multi-year project developed by MOL to apply its operational data in the development of digital applications that can enhance the safe operation of its fleet. Other partners that have already been invited to participate include Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding and Weathernews.
As part of the project, NAPA will be asked to develop safety and environmental applications that combine its hydrodynamic modelling expertise with Big Data technologies.
“The clock is already counting down for shipping to drastically reduce its carbon footprint by 2050, therefore we need to start collaborating now to develop the solutions that will get us where we need to be, while ensuring that safety remains a top priority and continues to improve,” said Naoki Mizutani, Executive Vice President of NAPA Shipping Solutions.
“From working with MOL for many years, we have demonstrated how NAPA’s combination of ship modelling and Big Data expertise can deliver results across a range of vessel types, regardless of onboard hardware. We are looking forward to working as part of FOCUS to create a new generation of solutions.”
NAPA and MOL already a longstanding existing relationship, with NAPA having provided analytic services to the shipping company since 2014.