Robots instead of seafarers: MOL is preparing an experiment

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Japanese Meltin MMI have agreed to install remotely controlled robots on vessels.

For this, the companies signed a memorandum of cooperation, which provides for a joint study of these technologies.

MOL and Meltin plan to introduce Meltin robotic remote control technologies into MOL’s ocean shipping operations.

The maritime industry facing the challenges that include not only preventing accidents and ensuring safety, but also improving the quality of transportation to better meet customer needs, MOL considers. Therefore, the importance of technologies such as autonomous navigation and remote control is growing in the future.

Meltin’s remote control technology is already being used in hazardous, time-consuming works. According to Meltin, the technology will also reduce the burden on seafarers, especially when solving problems that are difficult to implement in practice.