Hyundai Glovis to Retrofit Seven PCTCs with Avikus AI Navigation System

Hyundai Glovis has signed a landmark agreement with Avikus, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, to retrofit seven Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) in its fleet with the HiNAS Control autonomous navigation system. The deal represents the shipping industry’s first fleet-wide deployment of AI-powered navigation on PCTCs and further advances Avikus’ growing portfolio of commercial applications.

The agreement was formalised at Avikus headquarters in Seoul, with attendance from Hyundai Glovis Vice President Jungsuk Kim and Avikus CEO Dohyeong Lim. The scope of the contract includes hardware and software installation, onboard commissioning and comprehensive crew training. All seven retrofits are scheduled for completion by mid-2026.

HiNAS Control, developed by Avikus, combines real-time sensor data with machine-learning algorithms to provide enhanced support for voyage planning, collision avoidance and fuel-efficient routing. The decision to implement the system fleet-wide follows successful trials conducted earlier this year, during which the technology demonstrated up to 3.9 percent fuel savings, as confirmed by onboard data and operational analysis.

Jungsuk Kim of Hyundai Glovis described the adoption of HiNAS Control as a significant step in the company’s digital transformation and environmental strategy. “Embracing AI is central to our vision of building a smarter, global logistics network aligned with sustainability goals. Verified improvements in fuel efficiency and route optimization during pilot operations were key drivers behind this decision,” he said. “The retrofit supports our commitment to improved safety, operational performance and carbon reduction.”

For Avikus, the agreement marks another milestone in the broader adoption of autonomous maritime systems. “This contract reinforces the practical value of HiNAS Control and highlights the growing role of AI in next-generation shipping operations,” said CEO Dohyeong Lim. “The decision by Hyundai Glovis to deploy the system fleet-wide demonstrates clear confidence in the benefits of autonomous navigation.” HiNAS Control is designed to enhance navigational safety while reducing operational risk and environmental impact. By integrating sensor inputs and historical voyage data, the system continuously analyzes real-time conditions to support ship crews with automated decision-making for optimal route planning and track control.