At Posidonia 2024, ABS signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (HD KSOE); HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Co., Ltd. (HHI); and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) to collaborate on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to eliminate ship safety blind spots.
Situational awareness
The MOU aims to use advanced technologies to increase the situational awareness of seafarers. The techniques could ultimately support increased autonomy on board.
Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, said, "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."
Design assessment
ABS will be able to support the project on design assessment, new technology qualification, and approval in principle
Christopher J. Wiernicki adds, "Enabling AI support of seafarers for high fidelity, 360-degree visibility of an asset is potentially a game-changer."
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.
AI-based autonomous navigation solutions
Jang Gwang-pil, Vice President of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, said, "This agreement is of great significance in that AI-based autonomous navigation solutions and institutional automation solutions, which have been developed by HD Hyundai, have taken a leap from the stage of being applied to ships in stages, and have been able to research to improve the structure of ships using AI technology."
Jang Gwang-pil adds, "We will take the lead in developing new types of ships, while improving the safety of ships and sailors through advanced technology development."
Digital and AI technologies
LISCR Chief Executive Officer, Alfonso Castileo, said, "It is an honour to have the world’s best shipyard, the world’s best classification company, and the world’s best flag administration come together to begin the development of a new era and new ship."
Alfonso Castileo adds, "The Liberia Flag Authority will continue to develop digital and AI technologies. We will actively cooperate with HD Hyundai for this purpose."