NYK and Japan Meteorological Agency Collaborate on Wave Research

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK; head office: Tokyo; president: Yasumi Kudo) and the Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI; an NYK Group company; head office: Tokyo; president: Makoto Igarashi) have begun to collaborate with the Global Environment and Marine Department of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and Japan Radio Co. Ltd. (JRC; head office: Tokyo; president: Takayoshi Tsuchida) in research utilizing wave survey data obtained by NYK vessels.

Since 2010, NYK and MTI have conducted research in cooperation with the JRC in the development of a wave spectral observation system using the shipboard radar. Through the utilization of data obtained by the system, NYK, MTI, and JRC then began to collaborate with JMA to improve the precision of wave prediction.*

Using wave models near Japan’s coast and around the world, JMA is conducting research into wave analyses and predictions, such as the heights, cycles and directions of waves. The aim of the collaboration is to improve the precision of wave predictions by comparing and examining the difference between the JMA’s predictions and the data collected by the wave spectral observation system.

Highly accurate wave predictions would make it possible for vessels to select routes that are more safe and energy-efficient. The NYK Group will continue to be a part of eco-friendly research that can benefit the transport services needed by society.


*Precision of wave prediction
A numerical prediction model used to forecast the heights and directions of waves by making use of an atmosphere model that forecasts ocean wind and can thus be used to calculate the growth, debilitation, and propagation of waves.


You can access a full version of this NYK news release from the URL below:
http://www.nyk.com/english/release/3132/003278.html

Inquiries can be directed as follows:
NYK Line, Corporate Communication and CSR Group, tel. +81-3-3284-5195

Monohakobi Technology Institute, tel. +81-3-5222-7650