The HD Hyundai Group has taken a big leap in the establishment of maritime autonomy, WPB news reports, as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) issued Approval in Principle (AiP) for its new-generation autonomous system, VesselWise. The cutting-edge technology aims to enhance propulsion efficiency and operational steadiness in liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers through data-driven, smart optimization.
Developed jointly by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), and HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HD HMS), VesselWise is a significant leap into the future of smart and autonomous vessels. It harmonizes diverse shipboard systems—such as air lubrication, wind-assisted propulsion gear, and generator engines—onto one digital control platform. Through the automation of actual operating data, it determines the best control strategies, thus improving fuel efficiency as well as overall ship performance.
ABS's review confirmed that VesselWise complies with its Requirements for Autonomous and Remote-Control Functions. The certification acknowledges the system's ability to manage and control semi-autonomous propulsion and auxiliary operations, taking the shipping industry a step closer to full automation.
Joshua Divin, ABS Senior Vice President, Marine Business Development, emphasized the importance of this development, stating that the path to full autonomy for ships is unfolding step by step. "HD Hyundai is taking huge strides by incrementally applying autonomy—navigation systems all the way through to engine room procedures. This AiP is a major step forward to safer and more efficient maritime operations," Divin stated.
In keeping with this view, Byounghun Kwon, Research Director of the Digital Research Lab at HD Hyundai and Executive Vice President, referred to VesselWise as a revolution in control authority management. He outlined how the system synchronizes operations across various subsystems—ALS, WAPS, PTO, and GE—on board LNG carriers. After the recent AiP certification, the company will also perform real-world demonstrations in 2026, an essential step in confirming the readiness of the system for autonomous deployment.
Kwon added that the project is developing existing smart ship structures to make the ship function autonomously with no human interference. The technology, as per him, is paving the way for remote operation and full autonomy, ushering in a new era in world shipping.
In conclusion, HD Hyundai’s VesselWise not only symbolizes a technological breakthrough but also highlights a broader industry shift toward digitalization and sustainability. With ABS certification secured and full-scale trials on the horizon, this achievement underscores how autonomous technologies are reshaping the future of marine engineering—steering the shipping world toward safer, smarter, and greener operations.
By WPB
Shipping, Technology, Innovation
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