MOL tests new AI-based vessel image recognition system

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has begun testing a new vessel image recognition and recording system developed jointly with SenseTime Japan.

The Focus Eye recognition system has been installed on Nippon Maru, a cruise ship operated by MOL subsidiary Mitsui OSK Passenger Line (MOPAS).

The system’s graphic recognition engine was developed by incorporating MOL’s knowledge and applying artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning technology, allowing it to recognise surrounding vessels. The system recognises and automatically records vessels with high accuracy using a terminal equipped with a graphic processing unit (GPU) and ultrahigh-resolution cameras.

The image recognition technology, which can be used even at night or during other periods of poor visibility, can detect small vessels that are not recognisable by vessel automatic identification systems (AIS).

Since Focus Eye automatically records image data, MOL plans to carefully review the accumulated data and use it to further enhance the image recognition engine’s analysis accuracy.

MOL will eventually employ the system to support automated watch-keeping.