Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), under the leadership of President & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto, has introduced an innovative application named “Fouling Analysis,” enhancing its efforts in using big data to monitor and maintain vessel performance. This breakthrough is part of MOL’s larger FOCUS project, which aims to harness big data for smarter fleet management and energy efficiency. The app provides an in-depth analysis of marine biofouling on the hulls of MOL’s vessels, offering a clearer understanding of how these underwater organisms affect ship efficiency and fuel consumption.
The marine industry has long struggled with biofouling – the accumulation of marine organisms like algae and barnacles on a vessel’s hull, which leads to drag, increased fuel consumption, and higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. MOL’s “Fouling Analysis” offers a proactive solution by using high-frequency sensor data collected at minute intervals and daily voyage records from the ship’s delivery. Combined with MOL’s vast experience in maritime operations, this data helps in pinpointing the exact state and causes of biofouling, allowing for targeted maintenance measures.
This app doesn’t just analyze current fouling conditions; it tracks the performance of older vessels as well, offering insights into how propulsion efficiency has changed from the time of the ship’s delivery up to the present day. The application’s ability to display docking periods and phytoplankton concentrations in color-coded bands, coupled with its integration of 3D hull surface imagery, allows MOL to take a holistic view of performance degradation factors.
These insights play a crucial role in making informed decisions about the right antifouling paint to use, the timing of hull cleaning, and optimal maintenance schedules. By doing so, MOL is not only improving the efficiency of its fleet but also contributing to the reduction of unnecessary fuel consumption – a significant step toward lowering GHG emissions.
A standout feature of the application is its ability to analyze 3D hull images taken during docking to calculate the exact size and location of fouling areas. This feature helps MOL in assessing the effectiveness of antifouling paints, evaluating the skills of painting contractors, and fine-tuning the coating process for each area of the hull. Essentially, it acts as a diagnostic tool, offering the kind of precision that was previously unimaginable in traditional hull maintenance practices.
This tool’s integration into MOL’s maintenance planning is extensive. Currently, it is used across approximately 500 vessels managed by MOL Ship Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of MOL led by President Takakage Imai. The company is further developing an AI-driven analysis model to enhance the accuracy of these evaluations, signaling a commitment to continually improving the quality of ship management while promoting GHG reduction.
The launch of “Fouling Analysis” aligns with MOL Group’s “Digital Transformation (DX)” initiative, a cornerstone of its long-term management plan, “BLUE ACTION 2035.” In this journey toward digital transformation, MOL aims to leverage technology not just for productivity but for broader objectives such as safety and environmental stewardship. Their recent announcement of the MOL Group DX Vision and the action plan, “MOL Group DX Action 1.0,” reinforces this approach, aiming to create a future-ready maritime industry that values both operational excellence and sustainability.
MOL’s strategic adoption of the “Fouling Analysis” app is a powerful demonstration of how digital technology can transform maritime operations. By reducing fuel waste and ensuring optimal vessel performance, MOL is making a significant stride toward greener shipping practices and more efficient logistics.