Utilizing Advanced Satellite Technology to Realize Agile Communications with Ships
NYK participated in the “Internet x Space Summit” at Makuhari Messe (Chiba City) from June 12 to 14. Part of Interop Tokyo 2024, the summit was a comprehensive Internet technology event that focused on new businesses that will be created by establishing space communications essential to future space development. NYK was the only shipping company out of the approximately 500 companies participating.
On the 13th, Tomoo Hikichi, manager of the Marine Group's Marine Technology Team, presented at a panel discussion on the theme of “Expectations and Challenges for the Next-Generation Internet Pioneered by Space.” He introduced NYK’s efforts of onboard DX to improve communication speed between land and ship, a feature highly valued by seafarers. He also discussed expectations for new value creation in the space industry, including the future use of ship and satellite data.
Tomoo Hikichi, Manager of the Marine Technology Team, speaking at the event
According to a survey conducted on NYK-operated vessels, the current communication speed between land and ship is only about 1/30th that on land. Seafarers desire smoother communication with their families and friends ashore, and video conferences between vessels and land would enable a quicker response in case of ship equipment troubles or when seafarers need remote medical care.
To address these issues, NYK has been boosting the speed of communications between land and ship by introducing Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX. (See related release.)
Hikichi introduced how NYK is working to improve the well-being of its seafarers through its onboard DX initiatives, which utilize advanced satellite communication technology. He also explained that new social values can be created by combining data collected at sea with satellite data.
NYK will continue improving seafarer convenience and creating maritime innovation through onboard DX.
Exhibition Outline
Name: Internet x Space Summit
Organizer: Interop Tokyo Steering Committee
Endorsed by: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Chiba Prefecture, Chiba City, etc.
Date: June 12 – 14
Location: Makuhari Messe
Website: Internet x Space Summit | Interop Tokyo 2024
On March 10, 2023, the NYK Group released its medium-term management plan “Sail Green, Drive Transformations 2026 — A Passion for Planetary Wellbeing. ” The NYK Group is promoting growth strategies with ESG at the core, based on the Group’s basic philosophy of “Bringing value to life” and a new corporate vision for 2030, which reads, “we go beyond the scope of a comprehensive global logistics enterprise to co-create value required for the future by advancing our core business and growing new ones.”
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