Japanese companies collaborate on building a digital simulation platform
A group of leading Japanese technology companies have announced that they are to collaborate in a project to build a cooperative simulation platform, focusing on decarbonisation technology, autonomous operations, and shipyard efficiency. The programme – Maritime and Ocean Digital Engineering (MODE) – will run at the University of Tokyo, a member of the group, from October 1st.
Other companies in the grouping include NYK subsidiary Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI), Japan Marine United Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group company Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Furuno Electric, Japan Radio, BEMAC Corporation, ClassNK, and NAPA.
In a joint statement, the partners said: “Japan’s maritime industry is facing challenges, such as developing and implementing new technologies in the context of global decarbonisation, maintaining shipping services by integrating autonomous ships to assist seafarers and improve safety, and ensuring high productivity among increasing complexity in ship design and manufacturing processes. MODE aims to address these challenges by using model-based development (MBD) and model-based systems engineering (MBSE), which are increasingly being introduced in the automobile industry.” MBD and MBSE work by examining the functions of products and components as computer models, and then checking their behaviours through simulations. The techniques can optimise complex system designs while facilitating a collaborative development process involving a wide range of stakeholders including shippers and operators, the companies said.
MODE is committed to supporting the development of next-generation technologies and skills in Japan’s maritime sector, including offshore wind generation and subsea resource development, and to act as a platform for collaboration between industry, academia, and government.
