Classification society ABS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korean shipbuilding heavyweight HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD KSOE’s subsidiary Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) to collaborate on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to eliminate ship safety blind spots.
As informed, the MoU was signed at Posidonia 2024 in Greece.
Under the agreement, ABS will be able to support the project on design assessment, new technology qualification, and approval in principle as well as the development of rule guidance to provide clear directives on technical requirements, safety standards and regulatory compliance.
The MoU aims to use advanced technologies to increase seafarers’ situational awareness. The techniques could ultimately support increased autonomy on board, the partners noted.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at ABS and this project holds significant potential for advancing the cause of safety at sea. Enabling AI support of seafarers for high fidelity, 360 degree visibility of an asset is potentially a gamechanger,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki , ABS Chairman and CEO.
Jang Gwang-pil , Vice President of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering highlighted that the agreement is of great significance for AI-based autonomous navigation solutions and institutional automation solutions, which have been developed by HD Hyundai.
In 2022, ABS granted approval in principle for HHI’s autonomous technology. The AIP was awarded for four areas of autonomous functions: navigation, machinery health management, fire fighting management and network infrastructure.
Meanwhile, last year, HD KSOE signed an agreement with Avikus, a compatriot startup specializing in autonomous navigation solutions, to conduct a fuel-saving verification project using autonomous navigation systems.
“We will take the lead in developing new types of ships while improving the safety of ships and sailors through advanced technology development,” Jang Gwang-pil concluded.