Siemens Partners with HD Hyundai for Digital Shipbuilding
Siemens has been chosen by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), part of HD Hyundai, to develop an integrated platform aimed at streamlining the shipbuilding process. This initiative is a key component of HD Hyundai’s ambitious “Future of Shipyard” project, which seeks to modernize shipbuilding by 2030. The platform will address existing data inconsistencies in ship design and production, fostering a more cohesive and digitally advanced shipbuilding environment.
Transforming Shipbuilding with Integrated Digital Solutions
The collaboration between Siemens and HD Hyundai marks a significant step in advancing digital shipbuilding strategies. The new platform, based on Siemens Xcelerator, will create a seamless digital thread that connects design and production processes in real-time. This integration is expected to enhance collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams, enabling the execution of complex shipbuilding projects more efficiently.
Taejin Lee, executive vice president and head of the Digital Innovation Office at HD Hyundai, emphasized the importance of this partnership. “The selection of Siemens Xcelerator represents an important milestone in advancing HD KSOE’s digital shipbuilding strategy,” he stated. The goal is to eliminate long-standing data discontinuities and foster a structured, collaborative environment throughout the shipbuilding lifecycle.
Siemens has been working closely with HD Hyundai since 2022, focusing on developing next-generation digital design and production platforms. Tony Hemmelgarn, president and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries Software, noted that their comprehensive digital twin technologies are well-suited to support this unified digital approach. The integrated platform will facilitate standardized data flows and system interoperability across various domains, including computer-aided design (CAD), product lifecycle management (PLM), and digital manufacturing.
This digital environment will allow major shipyard activities—such as planning, construction, and modifications—to be simulated virtually before actual implementation, significantly reducing risks and improving efficiency. Additionally, HD Hyundai plans to enhance model-based engineering practices and improve collaboration across different teams, managing critical data in an integrated 3D model.
Expanding Applications and Future Innovations
The scope of the integrated digital platform will encompass various vessel types, including commercial and specialized ships. Key applications will involve structured management of equipment and component data, performance analysis through digital models, and lifecycle-oriented maintenance engineering. This initiative also includes technical support frameworks for international shipbuilding projects.
Moreover, HD Hyundai is exploring the creation of an Industrial Metaverse that digitally represents ships and shipyard sites. This innovative approach will incorporate “physical artificial intelligence (AI)” technology, utilizing reinforcement learning and synthetic data to enhance production processes in complex environments. By leveraging Siemens’ Digital Twin technology, HD Hyundai aims to revolutionize the shipbuilding industry, paving the way for a more efficient and technologically advanced future.
