South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries has successfully demonstrated its autonomous navigation technology with a 9,000-ton university training vessel sailing more than 500 nautical miles in Korean waters. The trial came just days after rival shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering also tested its autonomous navigation system using a small boat in coastal waters. The Korean government and shipbuilding industry place a high priority on technology development as part of their efforts to develop a new generation of high-value ships.
“The success of this demonstration is a significant achievement that has confirmed SAS’s performance and operating stability in real-world complex maritime situations,” said Kim Hyeon-jo, head of Naval and Maritime Research Center, Samsung Heavy Industries. “As a technology pioneer, we will fulfill our role and responsibility in preparing security laws and systems alongside technological innovation.”
Samsung reports that its Samsung Autonomous Ship (SAS) system has been deployed with special permission from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries aboard the large training vessel of Mokpo Maritime University. The Segero is a 436ft long vessel built in 2018 for the university. It accommodates 239 people offering a wide range of training facilities.
The demonstration began on November 15 and took place over four days of sailing from the southern town of Mokpo. The training ship traveled a total of 512 nautical miles to Ieodo, a submerged rock formation nearly 100 miles offshore, and Jeju Island in the South Sea (East China Sea), then east to Dodo in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to test and verify the operation of the autonomous navigation system.
Segero Bridge during the Autonomous Navigation Demonstration (SHI)
The Segero equipped with Samsung Heavy Industries Autonomous Remote Navigation System, successfully avoided 29 collision risk situations encountered with other vessels during autonomous navigation. The shipyard points out that it encountered a particularly difficult area when passing near Ieodo, where sea fishing is active. The system recognized in real time a complex collision situation with several fishing boats approaching from the bow and from the starboard side at the same time. The SAS system recalculated and established an accurate and safe avoidance route every five seconds.
The SAS system integrates radar information, AIS system data and camera images to develop its situational awareness. It also incorporates ICT technologies, including 360-degree panoramic surveillance. The system automates engine and rudder control to avoid collisions.
Samsung reports that it was the first company to receive approval from the Department of Oceans and Fisheries to demonstrate autonomous navigation systems in this context. According to the company, there are currently no safety regulations allowing the operation of autonomous vessels at sea. Together with Mokpo and the Korean registry, they have developed operational guidelines. This included a risk assessment, identification of risk factors and development of a risk management plan, which was reviewed and approved by the ministry.
South Korean shipbuilders are working to develop new systems that integrate artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data and sensors to develop systems capable of operating the next generation of ships. Hyundai conducted a test during a Pacific crossing with an LNG carrier while DSME give it a try last week using a small boat along the coast near Seoul. DSME plans to test its system on a larger vessel in 2023 as it aims to commercially introduce the system by 2025. Hyundai is moving forward with its first version of its technology and plans to introduce it for navigation yachting in 2023.