HD Hyundai announced on the 30th that it has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with domestic shipping company H-Line Shipping to jointly develop autonomous and eco-friendly ship technology based on artificial intelligence (AI).
The memorandum of understanding involves HD Hyundai's intermediate holding company in the institutional sector of shipbuilding, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, marine solution affiliate HD Hyundai Marine Solution, and autonomous navigation affiliate Avikus.
The signing ceremony took place at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, with the attendance of Jang Kwang-pil, head of the HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Future Technology Research Institute, Seo Ho-dong, vice president and chief operating officer of H-Line Shipping, Choi Bong-jun, executive director of HD Hyundai Marine Solution, and Lim Do-hyung, CEO of Avikus.
This agreement was initiated to maximize the efficiency of ship and fleet operations in a situation where AI technology is rapidly expanding and being applied across various maritime operations, including autonomous navigation, equipment automation, optimal route implementation, and maximizing cargo transport efficiency.
HD Hyundai and H-Line Shipping will jointly develop AI solutions that minimize fuel consumption, maximize ship operating efficiency, and enhance safety. HD Hyundai will handle the integration and application of the technology, while H-Line Shipping will provide the LNG carrier necessary for technology validation.
HD Hyundai and H-Line Shipping plan to develop AI-based solutions that minimize expenses required throughout the entire life cycle of ships, from ship design and construction to operation and maintenance, allowing them to proactively respond to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s trend of strengthening environmental regulations and seize market opportunities.
Vice President Seo Ho-dong noted, "The technology that utilizes AI to transport cargo via optimal routes is a key factor determining a shipping company's competitiveness," adding that he expects this collaboration to further enhance the efficiency and safety of fleet operations.
Jang Kwang-pil, head of the Future Technology Research Institute, stated, "This collaboration marks a starting point for AI-based digital innovation that transcends the boundaries of shipbuilding and shipping, and it will serve as an important milestone in setting the standard for eco-friendly future ships."