South Korea's HMM has moved staff into its new fleet control centre in Busan after it took delivery of the world's largest containerships.
The company said the facility is based at its research and development base in the city.
The centre will monitor and control the operation of HMM’s modern fleet, including 12 24,000-teu vessels and eight 16,000-teu ships.
The biggest containerships in the series have now all been handed over, while the smaller vessels will join the fleet in the second quarter of 2021.
They feature the latest smart ship solutions, HMM said, while the control centre provides an integrated platform for vessel-to-shore data and increased connectivity.
Real-time monitoring system offer full visibility of vessel performance, locations, fuel consumption, ocean weather and cargo information.
"The vessels also can benefit from a remote control system which supports a wide range of vessel operations including inspection and repair works on the machinery on ships," HMM added.
Sharing information
Each vessel is encouraged to identify and react to an unexpected threat or obstacle both on board and around the ship by sharing information with the control centre in a timely manner, the shipowner said.
HMM chief executive Jae-hoon Bae added: "Digital capabilities have become a key element in securing a competitive edge.
"We will accelerate efforts to enhance operational excellence and efficiency in our fleet management. We will also gradually apply the smart ship solutions not only to our newbuilds but also to the other ships already in operation."
In May, HMM claimed a new cargo record after the world's biggest boxship took on containers in Asian ports.
The giant 24,000-teu HMM Algeciras, delivered the month before by South Korean Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, headed to Europe with more than 19,600 teu of cargo on board.
Although the ship's nameplate capacity of nearly 24,000 teu suggests it could carry more, the 19,600-teu level is seen as the maximum for safe operation.
South Korea's First Lady Kim Jung-sook served as godmother and cut the ropes to officially name the ship.
HMM Algeciras was the first of the twelve giants costing more than $155m each.
The deal was signed in 2018 with three shipyards: Samsung Heavy Industries, DSME and Hyundai Heavy Industries, which is only building the eight 16,000-teu ships, not the 300-metre behemoths being constructed at the other two yards.
All 20 newbuildings are scrubber-fitted.
