HD Hyundai Launches Autonomous Operations on Large Containership

South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has initiated a demonstration of autonomous operations on a large containership, equipped with specially designed systems. This initiative is part of a government-sponsored program led by Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, aimed at advancing and commercializing autonomous shipping. The 8,000 TEU containership, built at the Ulsan yard with HD Hyundai’s autonomous navigation system, is part of a series of 44 programs granted special exemptions from current regulations to proceed with demonstrations that will contribute to the development of international standards for autonomous shipping.

The ongoing tests, which began on November 4, involve showcasing autonomous collision avoidance in the waters off Ulsan, South Korea. The vessel will also be remotely controlled for speed and direction from the HD Hyundai GRC in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The current lack of a legal basis for land-based mariners to control ships remotely poses a challenge for testing autonomous navigation systems. However, a “regulatory sandbox” program launched by South Korean ministries is enabling companies to conduct demonstrations and gather data to advance technology development.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, in collaboration with South Korean shipping company POS Ocean and PAN Shipping, is conducting tests on autonomous technologies. The partnership has already demonstrated systems on smaller boats and is now focusing on large commercial ships. In April 2024, the first containership integrated with autonomous technology, POS Singapore, was launched. The autonomous navigation system, which operates by analyzing data from various navigation equipment and sensors using AI and AR, is designed to optimize routes, prevent collisions, reduce navigation fatigue, and enhance fuel efficiency. Through these offshore demonstrations, Hyundai Heavy Industries aims to lead the development of international standards for autonomous ships.

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