Samsung Heavy Industries has launched a Remote Operation Centre (SROC) at Evergreen’s headquarters in Taipei, marking a pioneering partnership between a shipbuilder and a shipping company. This facility acts as a land-based control tower, enabling real-time monitoring of vessel data and onboard equipment conditions. The initiative aims to enhance inspections and maintenance support, showcasing advancements in smart-ship operations and remote navigation technology.
The SROC represents a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between Samsung Heavy and Evergreen, with plans to gradually increase the number of vessels connected to the centre. Earlier this year, Samsung Heavy equipped a 15,000-TEU Evergreen container ship with an autonomous navigation system, furthering their commitment to innovation in maritime technology. They also conducted extensive tests on automation systems and remote monitoring during a lengthy voyage from Oakland, USA, to Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Both companies envision the SROC as a foundation for future joint developments, including remote inspections and the preparation for shore-controlled autonomous vessels. John Choe, head of Samsung’s Autonomous Navigation Research Centre, emphasized that the SROC will act as a “second bridge,” improving navigation safety and emergency responses amid the digital transformation of shipping. This initiative reflects South Korea’s ambition to lead in remote navigation technology and enhance international maritime standards.
