Japan is bringing Artificial AI systems to automate Berthing Operations. Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be a more convenient way for Automate Berthing Operations?
AI systems to shipping
AI kept blending on our daily lives replacing man works in recent years. A Japanese company is developing a system employing AI to help with maneuvering and berthing operations for vessels. Japan has been working on several projects on autotomizing ships to improve safety and operations.
Japanese progress
A Japanese company K line will carry research and development for the “Safe Berthing/Unberthing Assist System.” berthing operations are currently done by experienced and knowledgeable shipboard crews who are familiar with the characteristics of the ship and its mooring equipment.
The K line company will incorporate latest technologies to assist in safe berthing/unberthing operations. The AI included system will be the first of its kind to provide integrated support for all necessary operations from maneuvering in port, berthing/unberthing, and mooring and line monitoring.
They plan to install the system to their domestic vessels to test the system as part research. The K line company aim to bring out the system by 2025. Japan included berthing as part of its autonomous vessel demonstration project in 2018.
Other Japanese companies including Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co and MOL Ferry Co are also studying systems to automate berthing operations. Their first application got tested using a passenger car ferry, they further demonstrated the system in 2022. Japan has been advancing ship building recent years and last year was about testing the autonomous ships.
crewless vessels?
Artificial intelligence had also been a focus of shipbuilders in the CES technology show in Las Vegas.
In the long run, the goal of companies is to “reduce the number of crew members,” said John Cross of Memorial University in Canada.
Autonomy tools can also helpful for maintenance by monitoring the condition of engines or propellers. while Japan brings AI systems to automate Berthing Operations the world is navigating to a crewless vessel.