HD Hyundai Samho Co., Ltd., Avikus Co, Ltd. and NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Joint Development Project (JDP) to develop a ship design.
It will incorporate Avikus’ autonomous navigation solution HINAS Control and assess its suitability for a ClassNK notation.
The non-mandatory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code) was adopted at the 111th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee and entered into force on July 1, 2026.
This marked further progress in the development of an international regulatory framework for maritime autonomous surface ships. Against this background, the three parties have agreed to jointly conduct technical studies and verification based on ClassNK’s ‘Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of Ships’.
It draws on HD Hyundai Samho’s ship design and construction technologies, Avikus’s autonomous navigation technologies, and ClassNK’s expertise in rules and certification.
HD Hyundai Samho, Avikus, and ClassNK will assess the technical feasibility of applying the system to an actual vessel under construction, an 180K LNG carrier, with a view to expanding its application to actual vessels in the future.
Autonomous Tech Evolving
Hak-Mu Shim, Executive Vice President and Head of Design Division at HD Hyundai Samho, said this MOU marks an important first step toward securing advanced autonomous navigation technology by proactively obtaining Approval in Principle for compliance with classification notation requirements.
“By combining ClassNK’s regulatory expertise, Avikus’s cutting-edge autonomous technology, and HD Hyundai Samho’s shipbuilding capabilities, we look forward to providing safer and more innovative autonomous vessel solutions to our customers.”
Hayato Suga, President & CEO of ClassNK, said an autonomous navigation solution provider, and a classification society is highly significant at a time when international technical standards for autonomous ships are rapidly evolving, trilateral collaboration among a shipbuilder.
Do-Hyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus, commented they are pleased to pursue the verification of the HINAS Control technology in collaboration with a world-leading shipyard and classification society.
“HINAS Control has already been adopted as a standard solution for vessels within the HD Hyundai Group, building a solid track record of operational experience. This JDP will serve as an important opportunity to objectively verify the safety and reliability of the technology against classification standards.”
Avikus aims to further enhance the reliability of autonomous navigation and accelerate our expansion into the global market. Through this project, the respective parties will contribute to the safe implementation of autonomous ships in society.
Also Read: Gurīn Energy and NAVER to Power Clean Energy for AI Infrastructure
