HD Hyundai has achieved a major milestone in the commercialization of Degree 3 autonomous navigation by successfully integrating autonomous navigation and remote control technologies on a large commercial vessel.
HD Hyundai Advances Degree 3 Autonomous Navigation with Industry Approvals
HD Hyundai has achieved a major milestone in the commercialization of Degree 3 autonomous navigation by successfully integrating autonomous navigation and remote control technologies on a large commercial vessel. This advancement was followed by the granting of Approval in Principle (AIP) from both the Korean Register (KR) and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), announced on November 28.
Demonstrating Cutting-Edge Autonomous Navigation
HD Hyundai conducted a series of demonstrations on an 8,000-TEU container ship, showcasing the seamless integration of its autonomous navigation solution, HiNAS, with Pont.OS, a remote-control platform developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. Pont.OS provides precise remote control of a ship’s rudder and speed while addressing key challenges such as communication delays, unexpected operational issues, and cybersecurity threats.
World-First Transfer-of-Control Technology
A highlight of the demonstration was the first-ever use of transfer-of-control technology between multiple Remote Operation Centers (ROCs) for large commercial vessels. This breakthrough ensures uninterrupted remote navigation over long distances by allowing control to be handed off seamlessly between ROCs.
During the demonstration, control was successfully transferred between the Integrated Digital Monitoring Center at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan and the Digital Convergence Center at the Global R&D Center (GRC) in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.
Supported by Korea’s Advanced Industry Regulatory Sandbox
This initiative was conducted under Korea’s Advanced Industry Regulatory Sandbox Project, led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. Conditional approval under the framework allowed HD Hyundai to test its technologies in real-world scenarios, including remote maneuvering and collision avoidance in congested waters, overcoming challenges posed by regulatory frameworks such as the Seafarers Act, Port Act, and Maritime Traffic Safety Act.
Industry Endorsements
A representative from the Korean Register praised the demonstration’s success, stating, “HD Hyundai’s remote-control technology has proven critical for the commercialization of autonomous vessels, demonstrating both safety and reliability.” Similarly, the Liberian Registry highlighted the potential of these technologies to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection, congratulating HD Hyundai and Avikus on their Approval in Principle.
Building a Foundation for the Future
HiNAS Control with Pont.OS serves as a critical phase in the development of fully autonomous shipping by enabling remote control through advanced ROCs. An official from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering emphasized the importance of this achievement: “This Approval in Principle establishes a key foundation for the commercialization of autonomous navigation and remote-control technologies. Moving forward, we aim to lead the international standardization of autonomous navigation systems, paving the way for the future of the maritime industry.”
The successful demonstration and industry endorsements position HD Hyundai at the forefront of the autonomous maritime sector, setting a strong precedent for future innovations in shipping.
