- HMM has opened a comprehensive fleet control center for the safe and efficient real-time monitoring of smart ships built or ordered by the creditor-controlled company.
- The fleet control center, established at the research institute of HMM in the southern port city of Busan, can remotely control ships in operation.
- The center can identify risk factors in advance by acquiring real-time data on ship location, port information, fuel consumption, weather conditions and cargo loading status.
- HMM has placed orders for 20 large container ships built with advanced IT technology.
HMM unveiled its land-based ‘Fleet Control Center’ located at the HMM R&D facilities in Busan, South Korea, reports the company website.
This centre has been newly designed to effectively monitor and control the operation of HMM’s modern fleet including twelve 24,000 TEU and eight 16,000 TEU container vessels.
Integrated platform for vessel-to-shore data transfer
HMM has completed the delivery of all twelve 24,000 TEU containerships in September while all the eight 16,000 TEU containerships will join its fleet in the second quarter of 2021. All 20 vessels feature smart ship solutions, Colchester’s Seatrade Maritime News reported.
- The Fleet Control Center provides an integrated platform for vessel-to-shore data and increased connectivity.
- The real-time monitoring system offers full visibility including vessel performance, locations, fuel consumption, weather and cargo information.
Digital capability for competitive edge
The vessels can also benefit from a remote control system that supports a wide range of vessel operations including inspection and repair works on the machinery on ships. ‘Digital capabilities have become a key element in securing a competitive edge,’ said Bae Jae-hoon, president and CEO of HMM.
‘We will accelerate efforts to enhance operational excellence and efficiency in our fleet management. We will also gradually apply the smart ship solutions not only to our newbuilds but also to the other ships already in operation,’ he added.
HMM said it will also continue to analyse the operational efficiency and explore the commercial viability of autonomous ships based on data collected from the centER.
Smart shipping
South Korean shipbuilders work hard to develop smart ship technologies as new regulations will increase the preference for digital total solutions that support efficient navigation systems.
Smart shipping can be divided into unmanned ships ruled by an operator from a control center onshore and autonomous ships that use a computer on board that takes decisions about the route, speed, fuel consumption, maintenance and even mooring in the harbor.
Smart ships are expected to revolutionize the landscape of ship design and operations as they can minimize human errors that caused about 70 to 80 percent of marine accidents.
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Source: HMM
