Softbank, the information technology investment powerhouse, has become a partner in start-up maritime data communications company Marindows.
Headed by billionaire technology entrepreneur Masayoshi Son, Softbank describes itself as a capital provider driving the information revolution, and claims to be the largest provider of capital to artificial intelligence projects.
The company did not disclose the size of its investment, or the stake it has bought in Marindows.
It said the investment is intended to improve productivity in the maritime industry through the development of digital services.
Starting with the Japanese coastal shipping industry Marindows is developing a non-terrestrial network maritime communication system. Through the system it will establish a digital platform from which services can be provided to ships through a series of applications.
The services will be available from October this year.
These applications cover a variety of services including onboard crew work and health management, safety, navigational support, educational and digital consulting programmes.
Further development of services is underway. Softbank has also been working with satellite company OneWeb on developing a broadband satellite communications service which will be used in the development of automated ships.
Marindows is a spin-off company from the Japanese E5 Lab Inc collaboration project to develop emission-free electric-powered vessels.
The partners in E5 Lab Inc partners include Asahi Tanker, Mitsui OSK Lines, Mitsubishi Corp, Idemitsu Kosan, Tokio Marine and the Tokyo Electric Power Company.
