MOL Testing Autonomous Collision Avoidance Tech

Image displaying the avoidance route (while determining/suggesting the routeImage courtesy MOL.

Japanese shipping Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is studying autonomous collision avoidance technology in Tokyo Bay.

The goal of the study will be to develop an advanced navigation support system that paves the way for autonomous collision avoidance using rule-based artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. “This will enable systems to estimate several Obstacle Zones by Target (OZT) among different ships and propose a route that minimizes the risk of a collision,” MOL said in a statement.

Testing has already taken place in the congested waters of Tokyo Bay using Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology’s training ship Shioji Maru.

“The test confirmed the ability to estimate OZT targeting several target ships in actual operation and develop and suggest avoidance routes in real time onboard and verified the system’s effectiveness in supporting collision avoidance,” according to MOL.

“It also aimed to develop a collision avoidance system that realizes medium-to-long-term strategies for avoidance navigation well before target ships pose a risk in congested sea lanes, and takes into consideration the experience of maritime officer and other personnel in terms of safety and security,” MOL said.