ABS and HHI to collaborate on autonomous projects
ABS and HHI signed a strategic framework agreement at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (Source: ABS)
Classification society ABS is to work with Avikus, a subsidiary of Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE) specialising in autonomous navigation, to integrate more autonomy into vessel designs. KSOE is part of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
The partners have agreed to collaborate on a series of joint development projects.
Sung Joon Kim, CTO of KSOE, said: “It is very meaningful to work on long-term joint development of autonomous ships with ABS. This is a key topic in the future of shipbuilding and of the maritime industry. We look forward to comprehensive cooperation for the development of practical autonomous ships, including safety management, and remote control, along with the advancement of navigation automation technology, led by HHI group.”
John McDonald, executive vice president and chief operating officer at ABS, commented: “Autonomous vessels will have a significant role to play in the future of maritime transportation but they will need to be at least as safe as existing vessels. It will take extensive research and development activity, teamwork and sharing of expertise among the leading maritime players to get us there. That’s why this agreement is a game changer, as it unites ABS’ insight with HHI’s expertise to develop practical applications of the technology.”
