Completed Projects (FY 2016)

List of projects completed by MTI in FY 2016

Maritime Information Field

Research on the development of a remote-maintenance system utilizing the SIMS infrastructure

We considered a platform for sharing IoT data with external partners and a versatile maintenance plan for infrastructure.

Trials of the shaft horsepower and thrust meter manufactured by VAF [Phase2]

We collected long-term data on the shaft horsepower and thrust meter, and analyzed details of the trends and ageing.

Participation in the Smart Ship Application Platform hosted by the Japan Ship Machinery and Equipment Association, and promotion of the Ship Data Center (ShipDC) concept

As a member of the Smart Ship Application Platform, which formulates proposals of international standards and conducts activities for their practical use, we took the initiative in creating specifications for the practical use and designing of a prototype data server.

Research on the collection and utilization of data from HMS (Hull-Stress Monitoring System)

We considered methods for the analysis and effective use of data collected by HMS (Hull-Stress Monitoring System.)

Development of an interface between manual data and SIMS

We created a mechanism to link the data computerized by tablets (iPads) with the IoT data gathered by SIMS.

Recognition of nearby/approaching vessels utilizing cameras (with radar)

We considered how to link vessels, detected by the vessel-detection software utilizing image-recognition techniques, with radar information such as direction, distance, CPA, and vessel name.

Development of LiVE for Shipmanager

We mounted new functions to LiVE for Shipmanager and disseminated it to vessels with SIMS2.

Research on the utilization of the rolling and pitching of hulls and acceleration data of SIMS

We analyzed the rolling/pitching and acceleration data of pure car carriers calculated by SIMS and considered its utilization.

Research on the utilization of RFID

For utilization of big data, the kinds of data to be handled have increased and users now include cargo owners and shipowners. Given this situation, we considered what the future platform should be.

Participation in Smart Ship Application Platform 2 hosted by the Japan Ship Machinery and Equipment Association, and collaboration with Ship Data Center (ShipDC)

We continuously participated in Smart Ship Application Platform 2 hosted by Japan Ship Machinery and Equipment Association, and promoted the formulation of ISO19847 and ISO19848, both related to the maintenance of onboard and ship-to-shore information infrastructure.
We aimed so that the draft ISO standards would match our R&D direction and link with the data-center concept now being considered by the NK Ship Data Center (ShipDC) and DNV.

Smart fleet operation

[Fourth year of a four-year project]
The project aimed to establish a "smart fleet operation" system as a platform of next-generation shipping-companies' operation system. In this fourth year, we conducted software development including a response to ISO. This research study, which Furuno Electric Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Technology Co., Ltd., NYK, MTI, and Class NK are jointly participating in, was selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for one of the "Support Projects for R&D in Next-Generation Marine-Environmental Technology Development."

Maritime Technology Field

Development of low-resistance bell mouths

We developed bell mouths by suppressing the suction resistance in order to improve cargo-load capacity and eductor efficiency by reducing residual ballast water.

Development of the electronic chart table "J-Marine NeCST" (NYK Electronical Conning Station Table)

We thrashed out users' needs by participating in the development-consideration project of the next-generation electronic chart table "J-Marine NeCST" jointly conducted by NYK and Japan Radio Co., Ltd. In addition, we proposed the possibilities to collaborate with the existing technologies such as SIMS for further improvement of the usability.

Development of low-resistance bell mouths [Phase2]

We promoted the development of bell mouths that suppress suction resistance, and conducted on-land tests in order to improve cargo-load capacity and eductor efficiency by reducing residual ballast water.

Development of the electronic chart table "J-Marine NeCST" [Phase2]

As for the electronic chart table that we continued the development of from the phase 1, we continuously cooperated for the onboard-installing tests and considered the specifications of additional applications and the machine functions.

Improvement of the tank-sounding device "Honesty"

We tested and evaluated the improved version of the tank-sounding device "Honesty." In addition, aiming at development of an application for reading tank-table information, we conducted a feasibility study.

Demonstration of CO2 and NOx emission-reduction technology utilizing the EGR system of a large marine diesel engine (FY 2016)

[Fourth year of a four-year project]
As a demonstration of CO2 and NOx emission-reduction technology utilizing the EGR* system of a large marine diesel engine, we controlled Tier II-compliant engines to improve fuel efficiency, and conducted an onboard trial. This research study, which Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., NYK, and MTI are jointly participating in, was selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for one of the "Support Projects for R&D in Next-Generation Marine-Environmental Technology Development."
*EGR: exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is an effective strategy for controlling NOx emissions from diesel engines. The EGR reduces NOx by bringing back part of the exhaust gas for reuse in engine combustion.

Development of the systems and technology of air-lubrication systems for existing ships

[Fourth year of a four-year project]
We conducted R&D on the development of a tool to estimate the effects of energy-saving, on the development of the systems and technology for existing ships, and on the establishment of measures to improve the energy-saving effects. This research study, which Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., MTI, and Class NK are jointly participating in, was selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for one of the "Support Projects for R&D in Next-Generation Marine-Environmental Technology Development."

Research on collision-risk judgement and autonomous ship navigation

[First year of a five-year project]
We developed a function for assisting collision-risk judgment and conducted developments related to remote navigation from the shore side in an emergency and machinery utilizing the AR data of navigational instruments. This research study, which NYK, MTI, Japan Marine Science Inc., National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology, National Maritime Research Institute, Furuno Electric Co. Ltd., Japan Radio Co. Ltd., Tokyo Keiki Inc., and Class NK are jointly participating in, was selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for one of the "Support Projects for R&D in Next-Generation Marine-Environmental Technology Development."

Development of methods to improve safety and economy by preventing plant accidents of ship machinery utilizing big data

[First year of a five-year project]
In collaboration with ship-building companies, ship-machinery manufacturers, and shipping companies, we conducted developments utilizing big data for reducing plant accidents of ship machinery, especially high-risk accidents that could have a big commercial and social impact. This research study, which Japan Marine United Corporation, NYK, MTI, Diesel United, Ltd., Wärtsilä Japan, Sunflame Co. Ltd., Terasaki Electric Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Kakoki Kaisha, Ltd., and Class NK are jointly participating in, was selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for one of the "Support Projects for R&D in Next-Generation Marine-Environmental Technology Development."

R&D on the hull-structure health monitoring of large-scale conainerships

[First year of a five-year project]
For preventing accidents of ships at sea, we developed a system enabling such features as navigation support considering hull strength and more reasonable designing of ships by measuring/collecting data of bending in the actual sea and pressure applied to hull, information on navigation, weather, and sea conditions, and then sharing them between ship and shore side. This research study, which NYK, MTI, Japan Marine United Corporation, and Class NK are jointly participating in, was selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for one of the "Support Projects for R&D in Next-Generation Marine-Environmental Technology Development."

New Technology

Research on the prediction of sloshing occurrence of LNG carriers and weather routing

We developed a method to predict the probability of sloshing occurrence in LNG carriers in rough weather and an operational method (e.g., weather routing) for reducing risks of tank damages and such.

Hull-fouling condition monitoring with underwater cameras

Utilizing an underwater camera, we considered appropriate shooting points and mesh for grasping hull-fouling conditions, and developed a jig for realizing easy shooting from the deck.

Research on AI infrastructure related to autonomous ships

Jointly with a university, we conducted an investigation and development of fundamental technology of AI techniques for realizing autonomous ships.

Research on system identification of ship-navigation model utilizing per-second SIMS data

Utilizing onboard per-second SIMS data, we considered a system-identification method related to the fluid derivatives of a ship-navigation/performance model and developed the prototype program. Further, we considered a reflection method of shallow-water influence to a model.

R&D on the assistive technology of safe transportation of LNG utilizing ship-to-shore communications

[First year of a five-year project]
For improving the safety and efficiency of LNG carriers and promoting their utilization of big-data, we conducted: (1) Estimate calculation of sloshing risks, (2) evaluation of tank-cool-down schedule and estimate calculation of necessary heel amount, and (3) ISO standardization of onboard-LNG-carrier data. In fiscal 2016, we added them as applications of LNG-SIMS and developed part of an integration-support system for LNG-carrier-navigation schedules. This research study, which NYK, MTI, Azbil Corporation, JRCS MFG. Co., Ltd., and Class NK are jointly participating in, was selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for one of the "Support Projects for R&D in Next-Generation Marine-Environmental Technology Development."

Singapore Branch

0.5% SOx EGCS [Phase1&2]

The SOx regulation was strengthened from 1.0% to 0.1% in 2015 for the ECA area and is scheduled to be changed from 3.5% to 0.5% in 2020 for the general sea area. Aiming for using HFO with 0.5% SOx EGCS for the general sea area and using low sulfur fuel for the ECA area, we conducted R&D jointly with EGCS manufacturers, shipyards, class societies, and academic institutions in Singapore.
We investigated the regulation environment and the market environment that is especially related to retrofitting existing ships. Further, based on the investigation, we conducted optimal designing, such as downsizing of scrubbers, designed a total package of 0.5% EGCS, and confirmed it using a prototype.

Research on the onboard Wi-Fi infrastructure

Under the situation that the utilization of IT devices such as tablets is increasing on board, we investigated the areas that need Wi-Fi and the relations with the existing networks, and studied how to develop an effective infrastructure in light of the mobile applications that most likely will be utilized on board in the future.

Logistics Field

Research on the standardization method of finished-vehicle transportation

As a brushup of the standard terminal-layout procedures, we reviewed the width of passage for trailers that carry finished vehicles and created a contamination guide for improving storage quality. In addition, we considered how best to improve accident reports and conducted R&D on the recognition of degrees of fatigue and signs of dozing and R&D on the evaluation method of transportation environments.

Research on the introduction of the location-management solutions on site

Utilizing accumulated knowledge in past years, including last year, we formulated location-technology solutions with optimal price and performance, and judged whether we can introduce them on sites that have different conditions and environments and estimated the effect.

Basic research on location-management solutions

Utilizing RTK (real-time kinematics) capable of high-precision positioning, we mainly developed a prototype equipped with a latest-consumer GNSS chip and evaluated the basic performance.

Research on how to utilize RFID

Under conditions highly similar to actual sites, we tested the automatic sorting of vehicle ID and automatic-reading method of passive tags that we proved the principle of last year. Further, from the last fiscal year, we conducted a trend survey within the industry on the data-writing method and tag-attachment position, which car manufacturers are aiming for standardization of.

Research on new technologies that can be applied to the logistics field

As an automatic-recognition technology that can be applied to the actual site, we mainly studied sound-recognition technology and evaluated the prototype.
For seeking the possibility of automatic acquisition of finished-vehicle information by AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle,) we studied the technology of the fully automated operation from the hardware side such as running logic.

Participation in the Symphony project [Phase4]

Last year we developed the prototype of a value-added service menu already considered capable of differentiating us, and have now added functions applicable to the actual site and developed a connection interface with the existing system.