- AI used to detect ship collision risks and predict hotspots where risks are higher.
- The dynamic technology predict 15 minutes in advance where a collision might occur so that the captains of the vessels can make decisions earlier.
- The system used past traffic data for the Singapore Strait provided by the MPA to pick out information such as examples of collisions or near misses.
- The prediction technology was also compared against human operators.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Japanese firm Fujitsu are testing technology that could give ship captains earlier warnings about potential collisions with other vessels, says an article published in the Straits Times.
What is the technology?
The system named Fujitsu Human Centric AI Zinrai uses artificial intelligence to detect ship collision risks and predict hot spots where risks are higher.
A two-year field trial of the system has concluded, and further tests will be conducted before the authorities decide whether to deploy the system, the MPA said.
An MPA spokesman said, “The technology is more dynamic, it gives you a lot more in terms of timing (to react).”
How is it beneficial?
“If you can actually predict much earlier in terms of where a collision might occur… then captains of affected vessels can make decisions earlier.”
Currently, maritime traffic controllers warn vessels of any collision risk through a system that detect incidents in which ships move unusually close to one another.
Fujitsu said its risk detection technology would theoretically be able to give operators about five minutes’ lead time to warn ships of any possible collision.
Separately, it claims its dynamic risk hot spot detection technology could detect risks up to 15 minutes in advance.
“As vessel operations and interactions become more complex, the ability to detect and predict vessel movements in advance, especially in high-density vessel traffic areas like Singapore, is key to managing and reducing collision risks,” said Fujitsu.
Fujitsu and MPA
Fujitsu added that it will continue working with Singapore to improve the technology.
It plans to deliver services that use the technology in the next year.
The firm conducted research and testing on the technology with help from about 10 MPA officers from the Vessel Traffic Management Department and Port Systems Division over two years.
Testing and comparison
The system used past traffic data for the Singapore Strait provided by the MPA to pick out information such as examples of collisions or near misses, as well as examples of developing dynamic risk hot spots.
The prediction technology was then compared against human operators.
The busiest Singapore Strait
The Singapore Strait is one of the world’s busiest shipping zones, with hundreds of container ships, oil and fuel tankers and dry bulk carriers daily traversing the waters that connect East Asia to Europe, India and Africa.
In February, a turning error by a Greek-registered bulk carrier caused a collision with a Malaysian government vessel in Singapore waters.
In April last year, two tankers collide off Singapore’s coast, resulting in a leak of liquefied petroleum gas from one of the ships.
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Source: Straitstimes
