Tokyo Keiki News

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to a straight leg course control called “ACE Function” (ACE: Advanced Control for Ecology), which can be integrated with the autopilot systems, “PR-9000” and “PR-6000” offered by Tokyo Keiki Inc.“ACE Function” can automatically create a straight route and implement navigation at the shortest distance, only by setting the ship's current position and the heading of a destination. While navigating, it constantly estimates disturbances (tidal currents…

Several companies within Japan's NYK Group have partnered to test the remote navigation of a tugboat in Tokyo Bay.The tugboat, operated by NYK's Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha Corporation, was equipped with a manned remotely controlled system and put to the test by NYK and its group companies MTI Co. Ltd., Keihin Dock Co. Ltd., and Japan Marine Science Inc. (JMS).During the trials, the tug was operated remotely from an operation center in the city of Nishinomiya, approximately 400 kilometers away.

NYK and NYK Group companies MTI Co. and Japan Marine Science released partial findings of a study on collision risk judgement and the autonomous operation of vessels. Representatives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), and three partner manufacturers (Tokyo Keiki, Japan Radio, and Furuno Electric) were in attendance when the findings were released. This entire study includes development of (a) functions to facilitate judgement related to avoiding risk of collision with other vessels; (b) remote operations by land operators; and (c) devices related to AR (augmented reality) of nautical instrument information, with the aim to pursue safe operations and reduce officer workload.

Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Group is not only one of the world’s largest ship owners with a diverse fleet of more than 800 ships, it is a growing global maritime logistics powerhouse. Maritime Reporter & Engineering News visited with Yasuo Tanaka, Senior Managing Corporate Officer, Naval Architect, in Tokyo for his insights on the company’s continued efforts to invest in operational efficiency. The story of NYK cannot start without a look at the numbers, because the numbers tell the story in a most impressive fashion.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Junichiro Ikeda) today announced that the company, along with Tokyo Keiki Inc. (President & CEO: Kenichi Waki; Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo), conducted a performance demonstration test of its autopilot route control function, called “Advanced Control for Ecology (ACE)”, onboard a vessel in service. The results show an energy savings of about 1.5%. The ACE estimates disturbance effects such as wind and tide by setting the vessel’s course direction, and optimally controls the helm to minimize route deviation and reduce the number of course changes required during a voyage, achieving significant reductions in fuel consumption compared to a similar vessel with a conventional control system.

Maritime training provider Seagull announced the release of its latest equipment specific ECDIS training module for Tokyo Keiki ECDIS. Developed in close cooperation with Tokyo Keiki, one of the major ECDIS manufacturers, this latest addition to Seagull’s range of type specific ECDIS training modules is designed to provide navigators with equipment specific familiarization training for the Tokyo Keiki ECDIS EC 7000A and 8000 series ECDIS. The ECDIS module is aimed at training…

U.K.-based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd. announced the launch of a new course, Tokyo Keiki ECDIS familiarization. This marks the completion of the first stage of course development. As a training partner ECDIS Ltd will progress to delivery of MCA and DNV approved Generic and Nautical Institute accredited Type Specific (Equipment Specific) training on Tokyo Keiki ECDIS software. Tokyo Keiki has built up a sound reputation for delivering and supporting robust and reliable navigation and communications equipment for use in one of the harshest environments on earth.

ClassNK announced that it has certified the type specific ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) training courses provided by the newly established ECDIS training center, Philippines-Japan Maritime Training Management Inc. (PJMTM). ClassNK Executive Vice President Koichi Fujiwara presented the certificates to PJMTM President Eduardo U. Manese during the center’s opening ceremony on 8 November 2012. New amendments to SOLAS requiring ECDIS systems be installed on vessels are being phased-in beginning this year…

ClassNK held the first PrimeManagement Seminar in Singapore in February 2011. The event held at the Suntec Singapore exhibition center to showcase its new suite of services of the same name, drew more than 120 attendees from Southeast Asia and Japan. PrimeManagement is ClassNK’s total management certification service package, created to help maritime companies around the world achieve high quality management systems that effectively address the various challenges they face in an ever-changing industry.

ClassNK Issues Certification for ECDIS Training Course Provided by TOKYO KEIKI INC. ClassNK announced today that it had issued type specific training course approval to an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) course offered by Tokyo Keiki Inc. This approval, certifying the compliance of this course with ClassNK’s new Standard for Maritime Education & Training, is the first of its kind to be issued by the Society to an ECDIS manufacturer in Japan. Under amendments to SOLAS regulations the carriage of ECDIS systems is due to become mandatory in less then six months.