Kinkasan Maru Gets Ship Heritage Certificate
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.