Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) will install cameras and an AI system developed by Captain's Eye in the cargo holds of most of its LNG-fueled car carriers to provide early fire detection capabilities.

The shipping line said the devices will be installed on 10 vessels currently on order and scheduled for delivery in 2024 or later, and the company will consider retrofitting current in-service vessels with the system.

The Captain's Eye AI system sends an alert to crewmembers onboard the vessel and to the onshore ship management company when it detects abnormal images captured by the cameras.

MOL noted that all its car carriers are currently equipped with fire alarms (smoke detectors), but the AI-based system will enable faster smoke detection.

In addition, images of the cargo hold can be viewed from both the vessel and on land, leading to a faster response in case of fire.

Captain's Eye AI systems are mainly used to detect abnormalities in the engine room and on deck and have been introduced on merchant ships and other vessels around the world.

"In collaboration with Captain's Eye, MOL has conducted demonstration tests of the AI system's smoke detection capabilities using cameras in cargo holds aboard the car carrier ONYX ACE," the announcement said.

It added that it has improved the system's functionality through multiple tests and has confirmed its effectiveness, including the successful detection of small amounts of smoke, and has decided to install the Captain's Eye system on car carriers.

MOL said the Group will continue to pursue advanced fire prevention measures in the cargo holds of car carriers to ensure the safe operation of its fleet.