On the 1st, HD Hyundai announced that it will begin demonstrating an artificial intelligence (AI)-based cargo operation solution to be applied to liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in partnership with SK Shipping.
In HD Hyundai, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, which is an intermediate holding company in the shipbuilding institutional sector, along with its subsidiaries, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Marine Solution, will participate.
They plan to conduct a demonstration of the AI-based cargo operation solution 'AI-CHS' developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. The demonstration will utilize the LNG carrier with a capacity of 174,000㎥ delivered to SK Shipping last June.
They will collect and analyze operational cargo operation data and perform demonstrations on ▲ cargo operation fuel efficiency evaluation ▲ fuel usage optimization guidance ▲ simplification of crew tasks.
AI-CHS was created to estimate the amount of boil-off gas (BOG) that naturally occurs during the operation and berthing of LNG carriers and to assist in decision-making for appropriately distributing this to key facilities such as re-liquefaction equipment, generators, and main engines.
LNG is transported at ultra-low temperatures and changes to boil-off gas by about 0.1% daily due to external impacts and heat influx during transport. To maintain appropriate pressure in the cargo tank, the boil-off gas is consumed as fuel for the main engine or used as fuel for auxiliary equipment.
Previously, these series of decision-making processes were based on the experience of skilled crew members; however, AI-CHS integrates operational conditions and cargo operation situations to provide solutions, enabling even novice crew members to manage stable LNG cargo operations.
Through this project, HD Hyundai and SK Shipping expect substantial improvements in vessel and fleet operational efficiency, including stable LNG cargo transport, the establishment of a data-based fuel efficiency evaluation system, maximization of vessel fuel efficiency, and reduction of crew workload.
An HD Hyundai official noted, "We plan to continuously improve the operational convenience of our customers' vessels and fleets by enhancing integrated smart ship solutions based on AI, including AI-CHS, and lead the future eco-friendly ship market through innovations in AI technology."