HD Hyundai Receives Certification for Autonomous Containership Operations

Efforts are underway to advance ship automation to achieve fully independent operation, with South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai recently reaching a milestone in this pursuit. The company successfully demonstrated autonomous operation and remote control integration on an 8,000 TEU containership, receiving certification from both the Korean Registry of Shipping and the Liberia State Flag Bureau. This achievement represents progress towards commercializing third-stage automation, defined by the International Maritime Organization as a remotely controlled ship without onboard seafarers, operated from a different location.

The International Maritime Organization recognizes four stages of automation, with the ultimate goal being fully autonomous ships capable of making decisions and taking actions independently. HD Hyundai’s recent demonstration involved the transfer of remote control between two operation centers, akin to air traffic control for ships, enabling remote operation over long distances. The company acknowledges challenges such as communication delays, unexpected situations, and cyber threats, but emphasizes the successful combination of remote control technology with autonomous navigation capabilities.

HD Hyundai views the certification as a significant step towards commercializing autonomous navigation and remote control technologies, positioning itself as a leader in international standardization efforts for autonomous operations. The South Korean government, through the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, continues to support testing and development of these advanced technologies. Operating within a regulatory sandbox project, HD Hyundai is conducting demonstrations while awaiting the establishment of global regulations for autonomous operations, contributing to South Korea’s efforts to enhance its competitive edge in next-generation shipping technologies.

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