Can AI-Powered Port Prevent Ship Collisions Better Than Humans? 

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  • In 2019, Fujitsu and the Japan Coast Guard successfully proved the effectiveness of AI in preventing collisions between vessels.
  • Technology using Fujitisu’s Zinrai AI system can detect near misses between ships and also predict areas of high collision risk int he Tokyo Bay area.
  • The system enables more accurate and consistent operation regardless of the controllers’ experience, increasing maritime safety.
  • The AI-powered system also issued nearly twice the number of warnings to ship captains on risk-prone vessels.
  • Port authorities believe this has enhanced maritime safety.

An article written by Matthew Beedham in The Next Web highlights the role of AI-powered system used by Japan Coast Guard.   This is seen as a great change in the field of shipping industry as it enhances the safety and security of the ports. One such trial conducted by Fujitsu and the Japan Coast Guard in 2019 has been successful.

Spare a thought for boats

When you think about the future of mobility what comes to mind? Ebikes? E-scooters? Futuristic electric vehicles? Or planes that take off and land vertically? Maybe you should spare a thought for boats.

Large cargo ships transport tens of billions of tonnes worth of goods around the world every year, making them a vital part of global supply chains. Transporting goods by boat is no easy task, but Fujitsu thinks artificial intelligence might be able to lend a hand.

A trial that has made a difference

A trial run was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020 by computer and electronics manufacturer Fujitsu and the Japan Coast Guard.  The outcome successfully proved the effectiveness of AI in preventing collisions between vessels.

AI-Powered system detects near misses between ships

Technology using Fujitisu’s Zinrai AI system was able to detect near misses between ships. It also predict areas of high collision risk in  the Tokyo Bay area. The company added this tech to Vessel Traffic Services systems and were used by port control authorities.  It allows them to better manage the movement of ships through port.

Fujitsu says that using the technology means port operators can identify potential collisions two minutes faster than conventional systems. What’s more, the system enables more accurate and consistent operation regardless of the controllers’ experience, increasing maritime safety.

Port authorities believe in AI-powered system

The AI-powered system also issued nearly twice the number of warnings to ship captains on risk-prone vessels. Port authorities believe this has enhanced maritime safety.

Japanese port authorities say there are over 280 maritime collisions each year, all of which have a knock on effect to supply chains, crew safety, and the environment.

Minimizing maritime collisions is not easy, but Fujitsu’s system certainly seems like it’s taking a step in the right direction.

The field trial has demonstrated that Fujitsu’s collision risk prediction technology is effective in assisting operation controllers,” the Maritime Traffic Department Japan Coast Guard said.

Japanese port authorities are now planning to continue to develop and implement this technology.

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Source: The Next Web

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