Watch: MOL to Install Augmented Reality Navigation on VLCCs

Published Apr 22, 2019 8:23 PM by The Maritime Executive

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) will install a navigation system using augmented reality (AR) on 21 very large crude carriers (VLCCs).

The technology was jointly developed by Furuno Electric and MOL Techno-Trade, and it displays information on other vessels sailing on a vessel's planned route and surrounding sea areas as well as other ocean conditions, such as shallow waters. The information, displayed on tablets and screens, includes information from AIS and radar combined with real-time video images from the bridge camera. It runs in collaboration with Furuno Electric's ECDIS FMD3300 series.

The system has been tested on the first of MOL's next-generation FLEXIE Series car carrier, Beluga Ace, which was delivered in March 2018, and the VLCC Suzukasan, delivered in October 2018. It is now being officially commercializing under the Furuno Electric brand.

MOL will sequentially install the system in its energy transport fleet including LNG carriers, as well as its dry bulk carriers. In addition, MOL expects the technology to play a key role in realizing autonomous ships in the future.