Samsung Heavy Industries accelerates autonomous vessel development
A South Korean shipbuilder will deploy artificial intelligence-assisted navigation and speed optimisation technology on newbuildsSamsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has signed up a technology provider to install artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted navigation, berthing and speed-optimisation tools on ships it constructs for global owners and operators.SHI has signed a memorandum of understanding with UK-based Orca AI to accelerate the development of autonomous vessel technologies for real-world operations.
This will enable the deployment of AI-assisted navigation, berthing and speed optimisation to be scaled up across both newbuild vessels and existing fleets under a phased collaboration.
Orca AI will integrate SHI’s onboard technologies, including its SVision berthing assistance system, autonomous speed controls and engine rpm optimisation for fuel efficiency, into its own platform.This will be offered to more than 1,200 vessels currently using Orca AI’s situational awareness and fleet optimisation tools, and over 500 vessels under construction.
In parallel, SHI will integrate Orca AI’s platform into its newbuild vessels equipped with the Samsung autonomous ship solutionResearch and development teams will focus on real-time decision support, adaptive navigation and continuous vessel optimisation powered by large-scale operational data.
“Enhancing our business portfolio and advancing technologies through AI-based autonomous navigation is a key competitive factor for the future of the shipbuilding industry,” said SHI head of research Hyun Joe Kim.“Through this collaboration, we will actively pursue technologies by internalising differentiated autonomous navigation technologies and expanding our platform strategy.”
Orca AI has provided its SeaPod, an AI-based lookout assistant, which uses AI and computer vision to enhance situational awareness on hundreds of ships.Its shore-based FleetView application extends these capabilities to onshore operations teams, offering visibility into vessel performance, risk exposure and operational trends across entire fleets.
“Bringing together SHI’s deep expertise in vessel design and integration with our AI-driven situational awareness platform creates a practical path to scaling autonomous capabilities,” said Orca AI chief executive and co-founder Yarden Gross.“This partnership enables both companies to accelerate innovation and deliver tangible value to the industry.”
Source : Riviera Maritime Media Martyn Wingrove