NYK has started to share certain ship operation data with the Japan Fisheries Information Service Center (JAFIC) through IoS Open Platform (IoS-OP)* a ship IoT data-sharing platform promoted by Ship Data Center Co. Ltd. (ShipDC). This initiative is the first time that shipping industry data has been shared with other industries through IoS-OP.

NYK is an original core member of the IoS-OP Consortium, which was established in May 2018. Through its SIMS** ship performance monitoring system, NYK collects data on the operation of about 200 SIMS-equipped ships and has been actively sharing that data through IoS-OP. This aids improvements in safety and economic efficiency in ship operation and design by utilizing actual sea area data that transcends the boundaries of companies, and addresses social issues through the data-sharing scheme provided by iOS-OP.

The data shared with JAFIC is seawater temperature information. Seawater is mainly used for cooling engine-related equipment on board the ship, and it is possible to constantly measure the water temperature through a sensor installed near the intake of the cooling seawater. Sharing this seawater temperature information not only addresses limited sea-area data collection by research vessels and fishing vessels but also helps to efficiently form fishing grounds, improve the accuracy of forecasting, and grasp the current sea state through JAFIC bulletins and short- to medium-term forecasts.*** In the future, NYK’s contribution is expected to contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions by the fishery industry and enhance its economic efficiency by helping to improve catches and reduce fuel cost.

On February 3, NYK released the NYK Group ESG Story**** which aims to further accelerate the integration of ESG into the company’s management strategy. Sharing ship operation data through this iOS-OP helps achieve this ambition. To strongly promote ESG management, NYK is encouraging new value creation as a sustainable solution provider.

* Internet of Ships Open Platform (IoS-OP)
A universal platform that enables the sharing of vessel operational data among shipbuilders, manufacturers, and related service providers without compromising profits of data providers. As of the end of April, 64 companies were participating in the IoS-OP Consortium.

** Ship Information Management System (SIMS)
A system developed by the NYK Group for timely sharing of detailed ship data — such as operation status, fuel efficiency, and plant status — between ships and shore.

*** JAFIC bulletins and short- to medium-term forecasts
Reports providing information on sea conditions such as water temperature and ocean currents, in addition to when, where and what kind of fish can be caught.

**** NYK Group ESG Story
A guideline detailing concrete efforts to integrate ESG into management strategies of the NYK Group. Details can be found in the following press release.