Parliamentary Vice-Minister Mr. Nemoto visited NMRI

Parliamentary Vice-Minister Mr. Nemoto visited NMRI on May 17, 2017 and inspected Actual sea model basin, Deep sea basin and Bridge simulator for navigation risk.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister Mr. Nemoto heard research contents and recent topics of NMRI, and exchanged views with our reserchers during inspection of the research facilities.

Photos
Left: Photograph in front of main building
Right: Actual sea model basin

NMRI takes part in BARI-SHIP Imabari Maritime Fair 2017

National Maritime Research Institute（Mr Masami Otani, Director General）will take part in “ BARI-SHIP2017" at Texport Imabari (Imabari-city, Ehime-prefecture, Japan) from May 25 to 27, 2017.

At the exhibiting booth, model of Marine fuel cell system and Ship-handling simulator of a small craft will be displayed during the period.

On May 25, as a special seminar, Dr Hiroyuki Yamato, President, National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology will give a lecture titled "Joint Research Programs - A way of R&D by the Marine Cluster of Japan", and on May 27, the picture-story show of submersible robot "Hobarin” will be performed.

BARI-SHIP 2017 Website: http://links-bariship.com/en/seminar.php

Left photo: Marine fuel cell system
Center photo: Ship-handling simulator of a small craft
Right photo: Picture-story show of submersible robot "Hobarin by Natsu-chan

TBS news “N-sta” introduced NMRI research facility

At the TBS -Tokyo Broadcasting System Television- news "N sta", the research facilities of NMRI were broadcast at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday May 10 2017.

400 m towing tank and deep sea basin were introduced as popular facilities of NMRI Open house on APR23 2017, and our researchers explained both facilities.

photos: Video shooting

7,677 people attended NMRI open house held on April 23, 2017

National Maritime Research Institute, Electronic Navigation research Institute, and National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory opened the research facilities to public on April 23, 2017, and the total number of visitors was 7,677, a new record for the number of visitors.

On that day, many visitors enjoyed the fun of science and technology.
The annual open house event of three adjacent laboratories in Chofu and Mitaka, Tokyo is held during “Science and Technology week” in April.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA) also opened the research facilities to public on the same day, the stamp rally event was carried out by four laboratories in total.

Left photo: Picture-story show of submersible robot "Hobarin by Natsu-chan
Center photo: Deep sea basin
Right photo: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

Officials of Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria e Comércio Exterior, MDIC), Brazil Visited NMRI

Mrs. Heloisa Menezes, Secretary of Production Development of MDIC, Brazil and Ms. Margarete Gandini, General Coordinator for Industries of the ministry visited NMRI on September 10, 2014. After holding talks with NMRI President Dr. Kazuhiro Mori about ocean technology, they visited “Bridge Simulator for Navigation Risk” and “400m Towing Tank.”

Left photo: from the left, Mrs. Menezs, Ms Gandini, and Ms. Elaine Humphrey, Second Secretary, Embassy of Brazil in Tokyo

Right photo: photo with “Bridge Simulator for Navigation Risk”

NMRI Taking Part in "Techno-Ocean 2014"

NMRI takes part in "Techno-Ocean 2014" in Kobe from October 2 to 4. NMRI researches on ocean development are introduced at the panel session. Also, NMRI researchers provide easy to understand talks about ships and ocean at "The Ocean World," programs for 5th and 6th grade elementary school students.

Visitors from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

NMRI received a group of researchers of KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden on 29 August. After the Senior Researcher Dr. Masaru Tsujimoto’s introduction of NMRI activities, they visited the 150m Towing Tank and diesel engine research facilities.

The 14th NMRI Annual Research Presentaion was completed successfully on 24 June and 25. The list of titles of all the presentations and exhibitions in English are available. Please click here for your reference.

For further information, please contact our e-mail, info2(at)nmri.go.jp (change at to @)

A bulk carrier adopting NSafe®-Hull first in the world was launched on 2nd of August for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. NSafe®-Hull (a highly ductile steel plate for shipbuilding with improved collision safety) was developed by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (hereinafter “NSSMC”, Representative Director and President: Kosei Shindo) and adopted through the collaborative R&D by NSSMS, Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (President: Yukito Higaki) and the National Maritime Research Institute (hereinafter “NMRI”, President: Kazuhiro Mori).

NSafe®-Hull has excellent ductility, while maintaining the workability (e.g., machinability and weldability) of conventional steels, which substantially improves ship’s collision safety. NSSMC developed NSafe®-Hull through designing chemical composition and microstructural control in crystalline scale.

If a ship is made of NSafe®-Hull, because of superior ductility of the material, the energy absorbed before breaking hull could be roughly triple of one for a ship made of conventional steels, in case of side collision. It can therefore be said that NSafe®-Hull increases ship durability compared with conventional steels. Such higher safety level has been achieved by the cooperative research of the aforementioned three organizations on steel ductility and ship collision safety.

On the ship for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., approximately 3,000 tons of NSafe®-Hull, in total, was used for structural parts where high collision safety performance was required, such as the side plates of cargo holds and fuel tanks. NSafe®-Hull, if used for ship’s structure, owing to its improved anti-breaking performance in case of collision, contributes to preventing oil leakage resulting in environmental pollution and ingress of water into cargo holds, which directly leads to cargo damage and may result even in capsize.

Further advanced analysis is planned to be conducted with the support of the “Joint R&D with Industries and Academic Partners” scheme of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). ClassNK is, in addition, considering assigning notations to ships with higher safety, such as for ships in which NSafe®-Hull is used, in order to further improvement on ship safety.

NSSMC, Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and NMRI will continue contributing to safe, secured and environmentally friendly marine transportation by promoting the adoption of NSafe®-Hull for a wide variety of ships.

‐Outline of the bulk carrier‐
Deadweight: 206,600 tons
Size: Length overall:299.94 m;Breadth: 50.00 m;Depth: 24.70 m
Built by Saijo Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Shipping company: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Launched on 2 August 2014
Amount of NSafe®-Hull used: Approximately 3,000 tons

　
Fig. 1: Examples of collision simulations (1.4 seconds after collision at 12 knots, left: with NSafe®-Hull, right: with conventional steel)

From the left: Fig.2：Overview of parts for which NSafe®-Hull was used (Parts in red and yellow), Fig. 3：Sectioned view of parts for which NSafe®-Hull was used (Parts in red), Fig.4：Ship side collision (schematic)

Dr. Arnab Das, who is staying in Japan as a visiting researcher of Japan Ship Technology Research Association gave a presentation on 8 July at NMRI.

His presentation started with describing the historical background of Indian maritime industry. Dr. Das explained current ocean related activities of maritime research institutions and universities in India.

The presentation was concluded with an active question and answer session.

The 14th NMRI Annual Research Presentation will be held on 24 and 25 June. The presentations are divided into five sessions according to the research areas, and total of 25 researches will be presented.

1.Energy efficient and safety design of ships (24 June)
2.Toward more rational and practical safety standard (24 June)
3.Ship Operation Support System for safe and efficient ship management (24 June)
4.Solutions for diversified environmental issues (25 June)
5.Next advanced technologies for offshore engineering (25 June)

At the hall of the main building, 41 research exhibitions, technical advice are scheduled. Also facility visits are available during lunch break.

・Date & Time:　24 June 2014 (Tue) 09:50-17:00
　　　　　　　　　25 June 2014 (Wed) 10:00-16:30
・Venue: 　National Maritime Research Institute, 6-38-1 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo
　　　　:　Yokohama, Aioi, Onomichi, Imabari and Saiki (live video presentations)
・Language: 　Japanese except one presentation in English
・Free admission
・Pre-registration is not necessary
・For more details, please contact info2(at)nmri.go.jp

The 14th NMRI Annual Research Presentation will be held on 24 and 25 June, 2014 at NMRI, Tokyo, Japan.

The most updated research results on maritime technology will be introduced by NMRI researchers. Exhibition of researches, technical advices and facility visits are also scheduled.

1. Date: 24 and 26 June 2014
2. Time: 9:30-17:00
3. Venue: National Maritime Research Institute, 6-38-1 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo
4. Language: Japanese
5. Admission free

The details will be announced shortly.

Photo: Last year presentation

Dr. Susumu Ota, NMRI was elected as the chairman of SSE Sub-Committee of International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE), at its first session held from 10 to 14 March 2014 in the headquarters of IMO in London, unanimously elected Dr. Susumu Ota, the director of Center for International Cooperation of NMRI, as the chairman for the year of 2014 and 2015.

The previous and the first chairman of a sub-committee from Japan was Mr. Koichi Yoshida, the technical advisor of NMRI who took the chair of Fire Protection Sub-Committee from 1994 to 2003.

SSE Sub-Committee deals with international regulation on systems and equipment on ships such as fire safety systems, lifesaving appliances, and onboard lifting appliances.

Dr. Ota has engaged in various researches at NMRI on safe carriage of solid bulk cargoes and dangerous goods, safe carriage of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, fire safety on board ships, lifesaving appliances, and other ships’ equipment.

He has participated in more than 60 IMO meetings, chaired over 10 working and drafting groups, and coordinated more than 10 inter-sessional correspondence groups. He has been contributing to development of amendments to the various international regulations, codes and guidelines, e.g., International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), International Solid Bulk Cargoes Code, International Life-Saving Appliance Code, and Guidelines on Evacuation Analysis.

Photo: Dr. Ota at the meeting (center)

Technology to remove sulfur oxides (SOx) from the ship exhaust gases will be introduced on 13 March, 2014 at NMRI Headquarters, Mitaka, Tokyo.

NMRI has been conducting various researches to develop technologies to remove air pollutants from ship exhaust gases required by the international regulations (MARPOL Annex VI).

Following to the researchers’ presentations (in Japanese), experiments below will be introduced:

1) Experiment on Wet Desulfurization System (Scrubber) combined with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system
2) Dry Desulfurization System: Rolling test of Circulating Fluidized Bed Dry Desulfurization System

Date: 13 March 2014
Time: 15:00-16:30 (opens at 14:20)
Venue: Main Building, National Maritime Research Institute
6-38-1 Shinkawa, Mitakashi, Tokyo

The 13th NMRI Annual Seminar with the cooperation of Japan Ship Technology Research Association (JSTRA) was held at Kaiun Club, Tokyo on 15 November 2013.

NMRI President Kazuhiro Mori made an opening address followed by a lecture of NMRI General Manager Hidenori Imade titled “Innovation of Maritime Industry in Japan.” General Manager Imade presented the future vision of NMRI to serve as a platform of the ocean technology research and development. Chief Director of a union called J-DeEp(Japan Offshore Design and Engineering Platform) Masanori Shuku introduced its activities and logistic hub system in Brazil, titled “The Ambition of J-DeEP.”

NMRI Executive Director Tetsuya Senda gave a presentation on “Marine Power Plant of the Future.” He explained the trend of international regulations, and mentioned the fuel selection would be the key to the new power plant design. Maritime Innovation Japan Corporation (MIJAC) President Masato Nobuhara introduced the background and purpose of the company, titled “Challenge of Medium-sized Shipyard.” On his speech he explained that the development network had expanded as the number of participating companies had increased.

At the social JSTRA President Nobuyoshi Aikawa proposed a toast.

Photos:
The Lecture(left) , NMRI President Kazuhiro Mori (center), and JSTRA President Nobuhiro Aikawa at the social

President Dr. Mori and researchers of NMRI visited Indonesia and signed MOU on research cooperation with BPPT (The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology) in Jakarta on 6 November and with ITS (Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember) in Surabaya on 7 November.

BPPT is one of the public research organizations representing Indonesia. It was established in 1978 to evaluate, select, and promote the science and technology to be required for the national development. At their Indonesia Hydrodynamic Laboratory in Surabaya, various researches and development of ships and offshore structures have been undertaken by using 200m towing tank, cavitation tunnel, and maneuvering & ocean basin.

ITS (with 934 faculty members and 16,690 students) was established in the second largest city, Surabaya, Indonesia in1960. It is recognized as one of the most leading institutes of technology in Indonesia. Faculty of Marine Technology provides Department of Naval Architecture, Department of Marine Engineering, Department of Ocean Engineering, and Department of Marine Transportation. It is accredited as the core of educational and research institute of the shipbuilding and marine transportation in Indonesia.

Through this MOU it is expected to promote the further development of marine technology, safety, and environment conservation in Indonesia and Japan.

Photos:
Left: NMRI President Dr. Mori (left) and BPPT Chairman Dr. Ir. Marzan A. Iskandar
Right: The signing ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Ir Triyogi Yuwono, DEA (2nd from the right)

The 14th NMRI Annual Research Presentation will be held on 24 and 25 June. The presentations are divided into five sessions according to the research areas, and total of 25 researches will be presented.

1.Energy efficient and safety design of ships (24 June)
2.Toward more rational and practical safety standard (24 June)
3.Ship Operation Support System for safe and efficient ship management (24 June)
4.Solutions for diversified environmental issues (25 June)
5.Next advanced technologies for offshore engineering (25 June)

At the hall of the main building, 41 research exhibitions, technical advice are scheduled. Also facility visits are available during lunch break.

・Date & Time:　24 June 2014 (Tue) 09:50-17:00
　　　　　　　　　25 June 2014 (Wed) 10:00-16:30
・Venue: 　National Maritime Research Institute, 6-38-1 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo
　　　　:　Yokohama, Aioi, Onomichi, Imabari and Saiki (live video presentations)
・Language: 　Japanese except one presentation in English
・Free admission
・Pre-registration is not necessary
・For more details, please contact info2(at)nmri.go.jp

The 14th NMRI Annual Research Presentation will be held on 24 and 25 June, 2014 at NMRI, Tokyo, Japan.

The most updated research results on maritime technology will be introduced by NMRI researchers. Exhibition of researches, technical advices and facility visits are also scheduled.

1. Date: 24 and 26 June 2014
2. Time: 9:30-17:00
3. Venue: National Maritime Research Institute, 6-38-1 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo
4. Language: Japanese
5. Admission free

The details will be announced shortly.

Photo: Last year presentation

Dr. Susumu Ota, NMRI was elected as the chairman of SSE Sub-Committee of International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE), at its first session held from 10 to 14 March 2014 in the headquarters of IMO in London, unanimously elected Dr. Susumu Ota, the director of Center for International Cooperation of NMRI, as the chairman for the year of 2014 and 2015.

The previous and the first chairman of a sub-committee from Japan was Mr. Koichi Yoshida, the technical advisor of NMRI who took the chair of Fire Protection Sub-Committee from 1994 to 2003.

SSE Sub-Committee deals with international regulation on systems and equipment on ships such as fire safety systems, lifesaving appliances, and onboard lifting appliances.

Dr. Ota has engaged in various researches at NMRI on safe carriage of solid bulk cargoes and dangerous goods, safe carriage of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, fire safety on board ships, lifesaving appliances, and other ships’ equipment.

He has participated in more than 60 IMO meetings, chaired over 10 working and drafting groups, and coordinated more than 10 inter-sessional correspondence groups. He has been contributing to development of amendments to the various international regulations, codes and guidelines, e.g., International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), International Solid Bulk Cargoes Code, International Life-Saving Appliance Code, and Guidelines on Evacuation Analysis.

Photo: Dr. Ota at the meeting (center)

NMRI received a group of professors of University of Sao Paulo on 23 October. After making a courtesy call on NMRI President Kazuhiro Mori, they exchanged opinions with NMRI researchers.

Dr. Rui Carlos Botter, Dr. Newton Narciso Pareira, Dr. Marcelo Nelson Paez Carreno, and Dr. Cheng Liang Yee stayed in Japan from October 20 to 27 to conduct research on Japanese ballast water management progress as their undergoing research project about ballast water have received Brazilian federal research grants. They discussed progress on Japanese ballast water management with NMRI researchers and visited Actual Sea Model Basin.


Photos:
Faculty members of Universidad de Sao Paulo (front row) and NMRI President Kazuhiro Mori (2nd row left)

The workshop on “Carriage of Iron Ore Fines in Bulk” was organized by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and the National Maritime Research Institute (NMRI) at IMO Headquarters, London on 13 September 2013 with approximately 80 participants. The DSC (Dangerous Goods, Solid cargos and Containers) Sub-Committee of IMO had been discussing on the safe carriage of iron ore fines. This workshop was held to have further discussion and to promote understanding on liquefaction in order to contribute to the discussion at the18th DSC Sub-Committee (16 -20 September).

Photo Left: Mr. Toda, Director of Dangerous Goods Transport Office, Maritime Bureau, MLIT Center: Prof. Ishihara, Chuo University
Photo Right: Panel Discussion (from left NMRI Director Dr. Ota, Chuo University Prof. Ishihara, and Members of Iron Ore Technical Working Group)

The energy saving device which reduces resistance of waves, called "STEP," was retrofitted to an existing Ro-Ro ship by Naikai Zosen Corporation in collaboration with NMRI for the first time. An appendage affixed to the bow of a ship above water surface restrains the deterioration of fuel consumption and contributes to the prevention of global warming.