KR, HD Hyundai partner on next-generation smart ship solution

Classification society Korean Register (KR) and South Korean conglomerate HD Hyundai have decided to collaborate on the pilot project of a cloud-based next-generation smart ship solution.

As disclosed, the partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Posidonia 2024, being held in Athens, Greece.

This project will be jointly undertaken by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HD HMS), Sinokor Merchant Marine, and KR.

The next-generation smart ship solution, a cloud-based platform solution developed in collaboration with HD HHI, HD KSOE, and HD HMS, will undergo verification in this project.

Under the MoU, the partners plan to equip and demonstrate next-generation smart ship solutions on vessels.

KR aims to conduct technical reviews based on classification rules as well as domestic and international regulations, verifying the suitability of the next-generation smart ship solutions.

According to KR, this solution is equipped with innovative functions, including optimal route guidance, crew task support functions, and accident video analysis solutions, to ensure economic feasibility, efficiency, and safety.

“HD Hyundai is striving to secure user-centered digital solution technology. The next-generation smart ship solution developed this time allows continuous remote onshore software management and updates to new solutions, even after delivery to a ship. We will continue to enhance digital ship development by upgrading and adding cloud-based AI operation guide functions to make it easier for crews to operate equipment,” Jeon Seungho, HD HHI’s Senior Executive Vice President commented.

“As digitalization and the integration of smart technologies become increasingly important in the shipbuilding industry, we will make the most of our accumulated technological capabilities to support this collaborative project. KR will always endeavor to find ways to meet industry demands and expectations through various technical collaborations, contributing to the improvement of smart ship technologies,” Lee Hyungchul, Chairman and CEO of KR stated.

Earlier on, Korean Register joined forces with Hanwha Ocean, formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), to work on increased digitalization and the development of smart and autonomous ship technology.