Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) and Fujitsu Limited have announced the operational initiation of an AI-based optimization system designed to improve crew replacement planning. The purpose of the new system is to make the work-life balance of seafarers better by shortening consecutive onboard periods and making sure that they enjoy appropriate vacation time.
The system uses mathematical optimization approaches and has been developed by Fujitsu’s AI consultants to deal efficiently with complex parameters, such as the rank of seafarer, qualifications, schedules of ships, and life events of an individual. The AI-enabled system will be trialed in Japan starting May 2025.
The system will reduce crew scheduling time by approximately 70%, allowing planners to focus on more strategic tasks.
This incorporation of AI into the planning system is intended to resolve long-winding issues in crew management, including perspectives of avoidance through tedious laborious work on extraction of data from multiple sources and the long time taken in adjustment of schedules by crew planning personnel. The system runs through this adjustment automatically for considering the key parameters such as onboard experience, rest periods, and time off for important life events like marriage and birth.
The program includes important milestones which indicate that MOL is actively working to ensure that its shareholders have the comfort of more personal affairs significantly. This will allow the firm to better manage personal circumstances so important family events can occur without disruption.
The system is expected to increase the overall efficiency of the operation, besides comfort for the crew. It should allow ships to be staffed consistently and reliably. Improvement to the scheduling process is also expected to fill gaps in staffing and curtail last-minute changes, improving the planning of voyages.
The Action aligns MOL with HC Action 1.0. This is infrastructure geared towards having a good working environment for both workers at sea and land-based. Fujitsu reiterated its commitment to social interventions by the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to solve societal concerns and in the enhancement of work efficiency.
Source: https://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/2025/0312-01.html
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