Korean shipping line HMM has opened a new shore-based Fleet Control Centre at the company’s R&D facility in Busan, designed to monitor and control the operation of its fleet of container vessels.
HMM is currently in the process of a significant fleet upgrade, having completed the delivery of twelve 24,000 TEU containerships this month and with eight 16,000 TEU ships expected to join its ranks in the second quarter of 2021. All twenty vessels will be outfitted with a range of smart ship technology systems, the company said.
The Fleet Control Centre will provide an integrated platform to collect and share data between vessel and shore, with a real-time monitoring system that offers full visibility of operating parameters such as vessel performance, location, fuel consumption, ocean weather and cargo information.
The vessels will also be connected to a remote control system linked to a range of vessel operations, including inspection and repair support for onboard equipment and machinery.
HMM says that the data collected by the Fleet Control Centre will additionally be assessed to explore the potential efficiency and commercial viability of operating autonomous ships in the future.
“Digital capabilities have become a key element in securing a competitive edge. We will accelerate efforts to enhance operational excellence and efficiency in our fleet management,” said Jae-hoon Bae, President and CEO of HMM.
“We will also gradually apply the smart ship solutions not only to our newbuilds but also to the other ships already in operation.”
