MOL Introduces App for Performance Degradation Tracking ‘Fouling Analysis’!
- Enhancing Maintenance Quality through Big Data Utilization -
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Unveils “Fouling Analysis” App to Reduce Fuel Waste and Emissions
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), a major shipping company, has launched a new tool called “Fouling Analysis.” This app helps ships run better by using big data to check for marine biofouling. Biofouling happens when tiny sea creatures like algae and barnacles stick to the bottom of ships. When this happens, ships have to use more fuel to move, which causes more pollution. By using this new app, MOL hopes to save fuel and lower the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that ships release into the air.
How the “Fouling Analysis” App Works
The “Fouling Analysis” app uses special sensors placed on ships that collect data every few minutes. This data, along with information collected about the ship’s trips since it was first built, is then analyzed by MOL’s experts. The app looks at the condition of the ship’s hull, which is the underwater part of the ship, to figure out how much biofouling is present. The goal is to find out when and where biofouling is slowing the ship down.
For older ships, the app can monitor how much their engines have weakened due to biofouling since they were built. It can also suggest the best times for maintenance, like cleaning the hull or repainting parts of the ship, to prevent more fuel waste.
Smart Features of the App
The app shows important information, like when a ship last went into dock for repairs and the level of phytoplankton (small ocean plants) in the water, which can cause more fouling. It can even link 3D photos of the ship’s hull to see where the fouling is worst. With this data, ship owners can choose the right type of antifouling paint, which prevents marine creatures from sticking to the hull.
By analyzing the ship’s data, the app helps decide when to clean the ship’s hull, which type of paint works best, and how to keep the ship running smoothly. This way, ships use less fuel, making trips more eco-friendly.
3D Imaging and AI for Better Ship Care
Another cool feature of the app is its ability to take 3D photos of the ship’s hull. These images help measure the size of the fouled areas. The app can then recommend the best type of paint for those spots and check how well the paint protects the ship from biofouling. The app also helps evaluate the skill of the painters and whether the paint was applied properly. All of this helps keep the ship in top shape and reduces fuel consumption.
MOL is also working on an advanced version of the app that uses artificial intelligence (AI). This new version will improve how the app creates maintenance plans by using big data. The company hopes that this will further reduce the amount of GHG emissions released by their ships.
Part of a Bigger Plan
The “Fouling Analysis” app is just one part of MOL’s plan to make their shipping more digital. The company has a strategy called “BLUE ACTION 2035” to guide its future. In March 2023, MOL introduced its “DX Vision” (Digital Transformation Vision) along with an action plan called “DX Action 1.0.” This plan aims to make their shipping operations smoother, safer, and better for the environment by using new digital tools like the “Fouling Analysis” app. MOL wants to save time and resources by using digital technology, which will help the company focus more on protecting the environment and making shipping safer.
