MOL wins autonomous transport R&D grant

As part of Japan’s Transportation Research and Technology Promotion Program, MOL and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. have been selected to research and develop autonomous ocean transport systems.    Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuild Co. will jointly develop a technological concept for autonomous ocean transport system, the ocean carrier announced on Friday.
   The two companies were selected by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (MLIT) for its FY2017 Transportation Research and Technology Promotion Program earlier this month. Research and development on business concepts, systems, infrastructure and social implementation of autonomous ocean transport will be conducted during the course of the program.
   According to MOL, the project will also include research entities the National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, Japan Ship Technology Research Association, and Akishima Laboratories Inc.
   As part of the research grant, the companies are to “foster a movement to develop the required infrastructure and win public support for implementation of these advanced technologies by sharing the results with society and the maritime industry as the research progresses,” said MOL.
   The R&D grant funds competitive research projects from the public and private sectors that contribute to solutions for critical issues in the transportation arena. According to MOL, a total of four projects were selected for Japan’s R&D program for FY2017.
   Japan, through MOL, joins the growing ranks of entities investing in and developing autonomous transport systems, from ocean-going vessels, to driverless trucks and drones.