- Signs memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HD Hyundai Avikus at Posidonia in Greece on June 4, strengthening market competitiveness

- MOU Signing Ceremony (from left: Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC), and Kang Jae-ho, CEO of HD Hyundai Avikus)

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HD Hyundai Avikus for the supply of autonomous navigation solutions and technology cooperation. The agreement represents a proactive step toward building vessels equipped with autonomous navigation technology, which is considered one of the next-generation high-value-added technologies in the shipbuilding and shipping industries.

The two companies announced that they signed the MOU on June 4 at Posidonia, held at the Metropolitan Expo Center in Athens, Greece, in the presence of HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol and HD Hyundai Avikus CEO Kang Jae-ho. HD Hyundai Avikus is a specialized subsidiary established by HD Hyundai in 2020 to develop autonomous navigation solutions for ships.

Under the agreement, the two companies agreed to apply HiNAS Control, a Level 2 autonomous navigation solution for large commercial vessels developed by HD Hyundai Avikus, to ships being developed and built by HJSC, while continuing technology cooperation in the future. HiNAS Control, which utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, was successfully commercialized in 2022.

As demand for digitalization and autonomous vessels continues to grow in the global shipping and shipbuilding markets, competition to develop smart ship technologies that maximize navigational safety and operational efficiency is also intensifying.

The MOU was signed as part of HJSC’s efforts to strengthen its technological competitiveness in the smart ship and digital vessel sectors, while expanding the application of autonomous navigation technologies and securing a stronger position in the next-generation high-value-added vessel market.

Autonomous vessels are attracting considerable attention in the shipping industry because they can significantly reduce fuel and labor costs, which account for approximately 80% of commercial vessel operating expenses. In the Republic of Korea, the government and major shipbuilders are conducting research and testing while accumulating operational data.

- MOU Signing Ceremony (from left: Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC), and Kang Jae-ho, CEO of HD Hyundai Avikus)

CEO Yoo Sang-cheol stated, “As ship automation continues to advance, the need to proactively prepare for the future vessel market is becoming increasingly important.” He added, “This agreement lays the foundation for our autonomous vessel development efforts, and we will continue building a solid track record and enhancing our technological capabilities going forward.”