Mitsui OSK Lines is installing an artificial intelligence system on its car carriers to help detect fires.
It will fit cameras and an AI system in the cargo holds on most of its LNG dual-fuel pure car/truck carriers.
The devices, developed by maritime technology firm Captain’s Eye, will be installed on 10 newbuildings that are scheduled to be delivered from 2024. The Japanese shipowner is also considering retrofitting existing vessels with the system.
“The Captain’s Eye AI system sends an alert to crew members on board the vessel and to the onshore ship management company when it detects abnormal images captured by the cameras,” said MOL.
“All MOL car carriers are currently equipped with fire alarms or smoke detectors, but the AI-based system will enable faster smoke detection. In addition, images of the cargo hold can be viewed from both the vessel and on land, leading to a faster response in case of fire.”
The shipowner said the Captain’s Eye AI systems have been introduced on merchant ships and other vessels around the world to detect abnormalities in the engine room and on deck.
MOL tested out the AI system’s smoke detection capabilities using cameras in cargo holds on the 6,400-ceu Onyx Ace (built 2012) and confirmed its effectiveness.
Last year, a fire broke out in a cargo hold of MOL’s 6,400-ceu Felicity Ace (built 2005).
The crew was saved, but the vessel sank along with 4,000 luxury cars on board, including Bentleys, Lamborghinis and Porsches worth more than $300m, while it was on tow to a port of the Azores.
MOL said it will continue to pursue advanced fire prevention measures in the cargo holds of car carriers to ensure the safe operation of its fleet.
The company operates close to 100 car carriers.
