HD KSOE’s VesselWise autonomous machinery optimisation system receives LR Approval in Principle

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its VesselWise Autonomous Auxiliary Machinery Optimisation Function, marking a step towards onboard validation of an AI-based system for autonomous machinery management.

The AiP was presented during Gastech 2026 in Bangkok. LR assessed the technology against the SAFE, PERFORM and SECURITY requirements under its ShipRight Digital Ships framework.

AI-based optimisation for auxiliary machinery

VesselWise is a core application within HD KSOE’s Integrated Smartship Solution (ISS) platform. The system is designed to use automation and artificial intelligence to optimise the operation of auxiliary machinery onboard ships.

The development comes as shipowners and operators increasingly adopt digital systems aimed at improving vessel operations. While existing solutions often focus on monitoring and providing recommendations, autonomous optimisation technologies are being developed to perform operational adjustments with limited human intervention.

VesselWise combines automated machinery management with a control framework focused on safety, operational performance and cybersecurity.

LR assessment supports further onboard testing

As part of the AiP process, LR reviewed the concept against the SAFE, PERFORM and SECURITY criteria specified in its ShipRight Digital Ships framework.

The approval provides an independent assessment of the technology’s technical basis and supports further testing and implementation. Future verification activities are expected to include onboard application of the system on a 174,000 cbm LNG carrier.

Andy McKeran, Chief Growth Officer, Lloyd’s Register, said: “The next phase of maritime digitalisation is not simply about collecting more data, it’s about using that data to improve vessel performance.

“Through this Approval in Principle, we have assessed the concept against LR’s digital assurance requirements, providing confidence in its technical foundation as the industry explores new ways to improve efficiency, performance and operational decision-making through advanced digital capabilities.”

HD KSOE plans onboard validation

Bongjun Choi, Senior Vice President, Head of SDV Center, HD KSOE, said: “As vessels become increasingly complex, achieving optimal machinery operation through human decision-making alone is becoming more challenging.

“VesselWise is designed to address this challenge by combining intelligent optimisation with a safety-focused control framework. LR’s Approval in Principle marks an important milestone toward real-world deployment, and we will continue to validate the technology onboard to demonstrate its contribution to safer, more efficient and lower-carbon vessel operations.”