MOL & IBM Japan Launch AI-Based Ship Monitoring Platform To Protect Ships At Sea

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and IBM Japan partnered to develop an AI-based ship monitoring platform to protect ships at sea from various threats.

The system began operating on July 1, 2026 and is built around MOL’s Safety Operation Supporting Center, or SOSC.

The center ensures safe and efficient operation of MOL ships sailing in any part of the world by monitoring them round the clock and providing advice and corrective proposals for making decisions.

The new AI platform merges the information previously spread across different systems, including ocean and weather conditions, navigational status, geopolitical developments, etc.

MOL said that it would enhance the speed of response and decision-making by telling the crew what they should know at the right time.

The data integrated by the platform gives the crew an idea of the surrounding environment.

It also uses voyage records and operating information to clearly specify the risks the ship faces in real time.

The system also has past accident records, response case studies, and other knowledge, so it can provide solutions if the ship encounters a similar situation at sea.

The platform was developed by the combined expertise of SOSC in ship operations and AI technology from MOL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDIA PVT. LTD., and IBM Japan’s knowledge in AI and data utilisation.

MOL stated that shipping has become complex in the past few years, given the geopolitical conflicts which have been added to the natural factors like weather and sea conditions.

In such a scenario, the AI-based platform can help the ship crew to make the best decision in times of emergencies.

The platform was developed under MOL Group’s BLUE ACTION 2035 Phase 2 management plan under the themes of safety and digital transformation.

MOL said that the platform will be regularly updated with new features and information as the company strives to contribute to safety improvements across the shipping industry.