The Power of Laser Repair A New Era for Ship Maintenance

The Power of Laser Repair A New Era for Ship Maintenance

In December 2024, Furukawa Electric's InfraLaser system underwent a landmark trial on an actual Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) vessel, marking a significant milestone in the quest for more sustainable ship maintenance.

The InfraLaser system leverages laser technology to remove rust and coatings, offering a promising alternative to traditional sandblasting methods. This innovative approach aims to minimize waste, dust, and noise, leading to improved working conditions and reduced environmental impact.

A Collaborative Effort

Furukawa Electric collaborated with MOL, MOL Drybulk, and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding to conduct the trial, pooling their collective expertise in industrial laser technology, ship operations, and ship repair. The partners will analyze the trial data to refine the InfraLaser system, optimizing it for real-world ship repair environments.

Environmental Benefits

The successful trial demonstrated the effectiveness of the laser application in removing existing coatings from the outer hull of an MOL-operated vessel. This achievement marks a significant step towards reducing environmental impact and improving working conditions for those involved in ship repair. The InfraLaser system has the potential to

Minimize waste, dust, and noise
Reduce environmental concerns related to traditional sandblasting methods
Improve working conditions for ship repair personnel

Automation Opportunities

Beyond its environmental benefits, the project partners are exploring the automation potential of the InfraLaser system. The laser's zero reaction force opens possibilities for automated processes, which could lead to significant labor savings and increased efficiency in ship maintenance and repair.

Sustainability Alignment

The development of the InfraLaser system aligns with the broader sustainability initiatives of the participating companies. Furukawa Electric's Vision 2030 emphasizes establishing a social infrastructure that integrates information, energy, and mobility to protect the global environment. Tsuneishi Shipbuilding is committed to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) initiatives, focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable practices in the maritime industry. MOL has also publicly reaffirmed its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

A New Era for Ship Maintenance

The successful trial of the InfraLaser system represents a major step forward for the shipping industry. As we move into 2025 and beyond, this technology has the potential to revolutionize ship maintenance and repair, driving sustainability, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

Keywords* InfraLaser, laser repair, ship maintenance, sustainability, environmental impact, automation, ESG, SDG, maritime industry

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.