ABS, a classification society, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), its subsidiary Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) to work together on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to address ship safety blind spots. The MoU was signed at Posidonia 2024 in Greece.
As per the agreement, ABS will provide support for design assessment, new technology qualification, approval in principle, and the development of rule guidance to ensure technical requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance are met. The goal of the collaboration is to enhance seafarers’ situational awareness through advanced technologies that could potentially lead to increased autonomy onboard vessels.
Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, emphasized the importance of safety in ABS’s operations and expressed optimism about the potential impact of the project on enhancing safety at sea by leveraging AI to provide seafarers with a comprehensive, 360-degree view of assets. Jang Gwang-pil, Vice President of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, highlighted the significance of the MoU for the development of AI-based autonomous navigation and institutional automation solutions by HD Hyundai.
In 2022, ABS granted approval in principle to HHI for its autonomous technology, covering areas such as navigation, machinery health management, fire fighting management, and network infrastructure. Additionally, HD KSOE partnered with Avikus, a local startup specializing in autonomous navigation solutions, to conduct a fuel-saving verification project using autonomous navigation systems.
Gwang-pil concluded by expressing the companies’ commitment to leading the development of innovative ships while ensuring the safety of vessels and crew members through advancements in technology.