At the signing ceremony of the data provision contract held on January 26, 2024
(From left side;Mr. Yasuhiro Ikeda – Representative Director and President, Mr. Shingo Kameyama – Executive Officer, “K” LINE,Mr. Hisaya Higuchi – Managing Executive Officer, NYK Line,Mr. Masayuki Fujita– Chief Hydrographer, JCG,Mr. Tomoyuki Koyama – Chairman – IoS-OP,Mr. Makoto Yamaguchi – Executive Officer, MOL,Mr. Hiroaki Sakashita – President & CEO, ClassNK)
In a move bound for maritime safety, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has commenced providing vital marine data to the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) through the innovative “IoS Open Platform (IoS-OP).” This data-sharing platform, operated by Ship Data Center Corporation, marks a significant stride in the advancement of marine data application and safety measures.
On November 1, 2023, MOL, alongside industry giants Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), embarked on this collaborative effort. By contributing data acquired during their ship operations to IoS-OP, the trio is revolutionizing the way marine data is shared and utilized for the greater good.
IoS-OP acts as a common infrastructure facilitating the sharing of marine data among stakeholders, adhering to predefined rules. The platform also opens avenues for selling usage rights to shipyards and manufacturers while providing diverse data services.
Previously, shipping companies responded to Japan Coast Guard requests on a voluntary basis, leading to independent data integration efforts by the agency. IoS-OP changes the game, boasting a database of approximately 500 vessels, making it the world’s largest ship IoT database. This milestone positions IoS-OP to harness more extensive and detailed marine data, ensuring unprecedented advancements in maritime safety.
The Japan Coast Guard, leveraging this wealth of information, aims to enhance tidal current forecasts’ accuracy, ultimately contributing to safer maritime operations. The move aligns with broader industry trends, foreseeing an expansion of initiatives that utilize oceanographic information for public benefit.
MOL, a proactive supporter of IoS-OP, envisions the platform as a new industry hub. Collaborating with companies that grow synergistically with society, MOL pledges to drive ongoing progress in data collection, distribution, and utilization. This initiative not only strengthens maritime safety but also underscores the industry’s commitment to efficiency, digitization, and collaborative progress.
