MOL working with Kawasaki on 'intelligent' steering gear project

The project will use new sensing capability and big data analysis and focus on control of the vessels’ critical steering gear. It will involve a system to be installed on a very large crude carrier (VLCC) being built for MOL at KHI.

The KHI-made steering gear will be equipped with sensors that monitor pressure, flow rate, temperature of hydraulic oil, consumed power and so on, and a large capacity high-speed data acquisition system.

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This data acquisition system will combine data from the steering gear, as well as other key operational data, such as vessel speed, course, engine load and rudder angle during a voyage. In-depth analysis of this data is expected to lead to improvements in vessel reliability and greater energy-saving operations. The project is expected to completed by the end of March 2021.

MOL views the project as an important step in developing the future “intelligence function-equipped steering gear,” which will continue to contribute to improvement of the vessel’s reliability, improvement of maneuverability, and energy-saving operations.

This effort is a part of MOL’s technological development initiative, the "Ishin Next - MOL Smart Ship Project". The company will leverage the knowledge and know-how gained through the development process for various ship types, as it takes a proactive stance in adopting the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance safe operation and reduce vessels’ environmental impact.

Learn more about smart shipping at Seatrade Maritime Middle East in October 2018