Looming Seafarer Shortage Sharpens IINO Lines’ Autonomy Focus
Technology identification, trial and adoption is cornerstone to running an efficient, cost-effective maritime operation. But with the speed of technological change, particularly in regards to Artificial Intelligence (AI), the process is neither straight nor short. We visited recently with Kenji Togasaki, SVP, Innovation Office, IINO Lines (USA), who’s job it is to scout new technologies and implement them onto the fleet with IINO technical group in Tokyo. Japanese shipowners are renowned globally, world leaders in the design, construction and operation of modern tonnage with a fleet of nearly 100 ships. Togasaki said that IINO Lines technology adoption is led by decarbonization, autonomy and Digitalization/AI. Particularly, he stressed the importance of autonomous technologies for IINO Lines and the Japanese market as a whole, both of which are facing a future with far fewer mariners.
