HD Hyundai and H-Line Shipping Collaborate on AI-Powered Autonomous and Eco-Friendly Vessel Technologies

HD Hyundai has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with key subsidiaries and H-Line Shipping to jointly develop AI-based autonomous and environmentally friendly ship technologies. The agreement was formalized at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Pangyo.

The collaboration includes HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Marine Solution, Avikus, and shipping company H-Line Shipping. Present at the signing were Kwang-Pil Chang, CTO of HD KSOE; Ho-Dong Seo, COO of H-Line Shipping; Bongjun Choi, Senior Vice President at HD Hyundai Marine Solution; and Dohyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus.

The MOU responds to the growing integration of artificial intelligence in maritime operations. Areas such as autonomous navigation, engine control, route optimization, and cargo handling are seeing increasing use of AI to enhance performance and operational efficiency for both individual vessels and fleet-wide operations.

As part of the agreement, HD Hyundai and H-Line Shipping will develop an AI-based solution aimed at reducing fuel consumption, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing vessel safety. HD Hyundai will lead the integration of several in-house technologies as part of this initiative.

These include Avikus’s autonomous navigation platform HiNAS, HD Hyundai Marine Solution’s routing software OceanWise, and HD KSOE’s AI-driven cargo management system AI-CHS. H-Line Shipping will provide an LNG carrier to conduct sea trials and verify the integrated system’s performance.

The goal of the project is to build a solution that reduces lifecycle costs from ship design and construction through to operation and maintenance, while also aligning with stricter International Maritime Organization regulations on emissions.

Ho-Dong Seo of H-Line Shipping noted that AI-based route optimization will be a key factor in shaping the competitiveness of modern shipping companies. Kwang-Pil Chang of HD KSOE described the initiative as a step toward advancing digital solutions that link the shipbuilding and shipping sectors.