Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) will install the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) on all MOL-operated crude oil tankers to reinforce safe operation. MOL has been promoting sustainable development of the global environment and vessels' safety. ECDIS demonstrates its maximum benefits in areas with large traffic volumes, such as Tokyo Bay, where an average of 220 cargo ships enter the bay every day.

The Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) displays CD-ROM stored electronic navigation charts on monitors. It also shows the position of the MOL vessel in relation to other ships in real time, by linking with the Global Positioning System (GPS), radar, and the Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA). In addition, it has a warning function to prevent accidents.The model MOL is installing meets International Marine Organization (IMO) performance standards. It will also be able to display the automatic identification system (AIS), which will be obligatory on new ships built after July 2002. AIS allows immediate retrieval of data related to the location, name, and speed of other ships sailing in the vicinity.The total cost of the installation and equipment is about 150 million yen (US$ 1.4million: 107yen/US$).