HD Hyundai said on the 24th that shipbuilding institutional sector affiliate HD Hyundai Samho and Avikus signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for business cooperation to create a Jeonnam maritime AI autonomous navigation demonstration cluster with Jeonnam Province, the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA), and Mokpo National University at the Jeonnam Provincial Office.

The agreement aims to build a safety infrastructure for small vessels, which account for more than 80% of all maritime ship accidents. Jeonnam Province has 2,165 islands and a complex coastline, creating a maritime environment with high accident risk during navigation.

At an event for a business agreement to create an AI autonomous navigation demonstration cluster held at the Jeollanam-do Provincial Office on the 24th, (from left) Abacus CEO Lim Do-hyung, HD Hyundai Samho CEO Kim Jae-eul, Jeollanam-do Vice Governor Kang Wi-won, National Mokpo University President Song Ha-cheol, and KMOSA Chairman Kim Jun-seok pose for a commemorative photo. /Courtesy of HD Hyundai

HD Hyundai will handle development and technology demonstration of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based autonomous navigation solution tailored to local characteristics. Avikus will develop an AI collision-avoidance system specialized for small vessels and build data collection and management, while HD Hyundai Samho will support the application of AI equipment on demonstration vessels and establish a mass-production base in the region.

Jeonnam Province will provide key sea areas, including Mokpo, Yeosu, Goheung, and Wando, as demonstration spaces and will offer administrative support for data collection and utilization in connection with the Jeonnam AI Data Center. KOMSA will verify vessel safety and establish technical standards, and Mokpo National University will conduct autonomous navigation technology research and train specialists.

Kim Jae-eul, CEO of HD Hyundai Samho, said, "We will actively support the realization of Jeonnam's maritime AI vision based on HD Hyundai Group's technological prowess and manufacturing capabilities," adding, "We will contribute not only to technology development but also to building the related industrial ecosystem."

Im Do-hyeong, CEO of Avikus, said, "To prevent accidents involving small vessels, we will advance our AI system based on demonstration data secured in complex coastal waters," adding, "We will also push ahead with technology verification and standardization."

※ This article has been translated by AI. Share your feedback here.