ATHENS – During 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). This collaboration focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance ship safety by addressing potential blind spots.
The MOU seeks to employ cutting-edge technologies to boost the situational awareness of seafarers, potentially paving the way for greater autonomy aboard vessels.
“Safety is central to ABS’s mission, and this initiative has substantial promise for advancing maritime safety. Integrating AI to offer high-fidelity, 360-degree visibility of assets could be transformative,” remarked Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.
Through this agreement, ABS will contribute to the project by providing design assessment, new technology qualification, approval in principle, and the development of rule guidance. These efforts will clarify technical requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
Jang Gwang-pil, Vice President of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, emphasized: “This agreement is significant as it allows us to advance AI-based autonomous navigation and institutional automation solutions developed by HD Hyundai. It enables us to improve ship structures using AI technology. We aim to lead the development of innovative ship types while enhancing the safety of ships and sailors through advanced technological advancements.”
