MOL to Install Cameras, AI Systems in Cargo Holds of Newbuilding LNG-fueled Car Carriers for Early Fire Detection

Tokyo - November 15, 2023

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) will install cameras and an AI system developed by Captain's Eye (CEO: Uri Ben-Dor, CTO: Doron Oizerovich, Headquarters: Israel) in the cargo holds of most of its LNG-fueled car carriers to provide early fire detection capabilities. The devices will be installed on 10 vessels currently on order and scheduled for delivery in 2024 or later (Note 1), and the company will consider retrofitting current in-service vessels with the system.

The Captain's Eye AI system sends an alert to crewmembers onboard the vessel and to the onshore ship management company when it detects abnormal images captured by the cameras. All MOL car carriers are currently equipped with fire alarms (smoke detectors), but the AI-based system will enable faster smoke detection. In addition, images of the cargo hold can be viewed from both the vessel and on land, leading to a faster response in case of fire.

Captain's Eye AI systems are mainly used to detect abnormalities in the engine room and on deck and have been introduced on merchant ships and other vessels around the world. In collaboration with Captain's Eye, MOL has conducted demonstration tests of the AI system's smoke detection capabilities using cameras in cargo holds aboard the car carrier ONYX ACE. It has improved the system's functionality through multiple tests, and has confirmed its effectiveness, including the successful detection of small amounts of smoke, and has decided to install the Captain's Eye system on car carriers.

MOL Group will continue to pursue advanced fire prevention measures in the cargo holds of car carriers to ensure the safe operation of its fleet.


Monitor screen when detecting smoke during the test. Image by MOL.


Monitor screen when detecting smoke during the test. Image by MOL.

(Note 1) MOL has decided to order two new vessels in addition to the eight vessels, announced in the press release dated May 9, 2022, "MOL to Build 4 Additional LNG-fueled Car Carriers - Progressing towards ‘90 LNG-fueled Vessels by 2030' -"

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. press release