Page 44: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (February 2020)

INTERVIEW TOYOHISA NAKANO, EXECUTIVE OFFICER, “K” LINE full understanding of many individuals including shipper for What are the top three points of focus for K-LINE Research & these logistic changes.

Development for the coming years?

Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, Digitalization, “Autonomy” and all that it entails is also a driver in today’s mari- and Quality.

time world. To start, how does “K” Line define autonomy? Please provide an overview of how the company is investing in R&D or

This may have been covered sufficiently in previous questions but joint venture projects designed to advance autonomy.

can you discuss the top three most important current projects or

At this stage, we direct to automated vessel based on with Joint Industry Projects to “K” Line today.

some human intervention (i.e. with seafarers onboard). We In addition of reducing GHG emissions and Digitalization think such advanced machines’ support to human will result which we answered in another question, we are working on improving safety of vessel and efficiency of work on board. improving quality control system for ship management and

For example, we are considering big-data collection with logistics.

monitoring some additional sensors for preventive main- tenance etc. In addition to that, we are working on optimal We understand that K-LINE has just celebrated its 100th Anniver- operation system using such big-data in order to achieve envi- sary. As you explored your company history, what do you count ronmental friendly operation.

as the overarching most impressive or important achievement that your company has delivered?

Hand-in-hand with autonomy and digitalization is Cyber Security.

Throughout this 100 year history, we have been developed in-

Can you share with us an overview of the importance “K” Line novative ships like along with expanding our service world- places on operating a cyber-secure business.

wide. As the result of our challenge and good relationship

We believe that Cyber Security is essential for autonomy and with our stake holders. We would like to continue refining our digitalization, so we are working to strengthen it not only at strength for a brighter future.

sea but also on land.

Source: Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. 44 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • February 2020

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