ClassNK has awarded a Technology Qualification (TQ) for ‘SAS-IBS’, a component of the Samsung Autonomous Navigation Assistance System (SAS) developed by Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. The certificate was presented during a ceremony at KORMARINE 2025. This initiative is part of a broader effort to advance technologies related to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), aimed at minimizing human error, alleviating crew workloads, and addressing labor shortages in the maritime industry.
To facilitate the adoption of such technologies, ClassNK has released its ‘Guidelines for Technology Qualification’, which provide a framework for assessing the safety of innovative technologies not yet covered by existing regulations. The SAS system includes features for situational awareness, collision avoidance, and autopilot-controlled vessel navigation. Specifically, ‘SAS-IBS’ software evaluates collision and grounding risks, formulates safe navigation paths, and manages alerts within its operational design domain.
ClassNK’s evaluation of ‘SAS-IBS’ involved a thorough process based on its guidelines, which included novelty assessment, risk evaluation, simulation testing, and qualification validation. Upon confirming that the core functionalities for autonomous navigation met the necessary standards, ClassNK issued its qualification statement. The organization remains committed to supporting the integration of automated and autonomous operational technologies through standard-setting and technical verification efforts.
