Japanese shipping company ‘K’ Line reports that it has entered into a joint research and development agreement with Nippon Hakuyo Electronics and OPT Gate to jointly develop a new fire detection system for vessels.
The planned system will use optical detection and recognition technology to identify shipboard fires and prompt mitigating actions.
“In recent years, the transportation of electric vehicles in addition to conventional gasoline vehicles has been increasing in car carriers,” said ‘K’ Line, in a statement.
“It is said that lithium-ion batteries installed in electric vehicles tend to rapidly escalate combustion in the event of a fire, making it crucial to detect fires at an earlier stage and to engage in firefighting activities promptly.”
“This research aims to develop a fire detection system that detects fires earlier and with higher accuracy than existing smoke detectors for vessels, addressing the challenges.”
Nippon Hakuyo is a manufacturer of various electronic products for vessels, including fire detection systems, surveillance camera systems and public address equipment. OPT Gate specialises in the manufacture and design of optical technologies, as well as the provision of related evaluation, analysis, and technical support services.
Late last year, fellow Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) announced plans to install a smoke detection system using optical technologies and AI analysis on its own car carriers.
