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Kinkasan Maru Gets Ship Heritage Certificate

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

July 20, 2017

 Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that the engine control console installed on the bridge of the Kinkasan Maru was selected for a "Ship Heritage Certificate" from the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers (JASNAOE).  

Kinkasan Maru (1961-1979) was a general cargo ship, built at Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding  Tamano Shipyard in 1961, and operated by MOL. 
 
The society noted that the Kinkasan Maru's system represented a pioneering step in the development of automated engines. It was world's first automated ship, which adopted both the bridge control system - directly operating the main engine from the bridge, and the central monitoring control system - intensively monitoring and controlling the engine room machinery in the control room on the lower level of the engine room.
 
"The Kinkasan Maru, a diesel-powered general cargo ship, was built in 1961. It was the world's first vessel equipped with an automated engine, which marked a breakthrough remote operation and automatic control of the main engine at the time," said a press release.
 
Marking the 120th anniversary for its founding this year, JASNAOE launched the "Ship Heritage" project with the goal of certifying vessel-related heritage items that have historical value, promote public recognition of them, and pass them on to future generations as elements of cultural heritage.
 
This time, nine ship and ship-related facilities, which have historical, academic, and technological value, were selected from among entries submitted by the public.
 
MOL continually pushes ahead with its "ISHIN NEXT - MOL SMART SHIP PROJECT -" to develop and introduce new technologies that will reduce vessels' environmental impact and ensure safe operation, while delivering safe, reliable transport services.
 

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