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Today, South Korea celebrated the launch of an innovative containership, signaling a significant stride in autonomous shipping development. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries emphasizes its significance as the first large, ocean-bound vessel designed for Level 3 autonomous shipping. Plans include initiating long-distance international demonstrations later this year.
Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan hosted the float-out and naming ceremony for the Pos Singapore, a vessel commissioned by Pan Ocean. With a length of 564 feet, a capacity of 1,800 TEU, and registration in Liberia, this 22,200 dwt containership is slated for delivery at the end of the month, followed by outfitting and autonomous system testing.
The South Korean government has identified autonomous vessels as a key initiative in its Advanced Maritime Mobility Development Strategy since November 2023. Launched in 2020, this autonomy project received a government commitment exceeding $120 million for research and development.
A public-private partnership was established, involving shipbuilding, shipping, and the technology industry. The system aims to achieve IMO Level 3, allowing the ship to operate autonomously without an onboard crew, with all operations conducted remotely.
Throughout the containership’s design phase, Pan Ocean and Hyundai Mipo prepared for the installation of the autonomous navigation system. This system integrates autonomous navigation, digital-based agency monitoring, communication, and security technology.
South Korea’s maritime industry has actively tested various autonomous systems in recent years. In 2022, Hyundai achieved what was termed the world’s first transoceanic voyage using autonomous navigation on a 97,500 dwt LNG carrier. Trials of the latest technology version began in 2023 on a smaller domestic ship, Ocean Nuri (69 tons). The Pos Singapore is set to undertake its first international demonstrations on a designated route starting in September 2024.