South Korea’s shipbuilder Hyundai Samho, a part of HD Hyundai, said that H-Line Shipping’s new LNG-powered bulk carrier is equipped with an AI-based engine automation solution.
According to Hyundai Samho, this 180,000-dwt LNG dual-fuel bulker is the world’s first ship equipped with an “AI engineer.”
The shipbuilder did not provide the name of the vessel. AIS data provided by VesselsValue shows that HL Nambu 2 recently left the yard in Mokpo.
The engine automation solution co-developed and installed by HD Hyundai and H-Line comprises the integrated condition monitoring solution (HiCBM) and the integrated safety control solution (HiCAMS), Hyundai Samho said.
These solutions diagnose the real-time condition of key ship equipment and intelligently detect emergencies and unexpected situations, such as fires.
Also, they function as AI crew members, replacing human engineers and deck crew during operations, Hyundai Samho said.
Working with ABS
Hyundai Samho said that ships currently in operation can apply both of the systems.
Also, classification society ABS verified the safety and reliability of the two systems during the commissioning period.
In September last year, ABS granted approvals in principle to both of the systems.
Building on shared efforts to expand the development of autonomous navigation technology into critical vessel machinery and safety systems, ABS and HD Hyundai signed a deal earlier this year to work on autonomous projects, including an LNG fuel gas supply system (FGSS).
The scope of the memorandum builds on the previous strategic framework agreement that the companies signed in 2022.
Under that agreement, ABS worked with HD Hyundai subsidiaries, Avikus as well as HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering.
There were several achievements including the demonstration of technology developed by Avikus, enabling SK Shipping’s 2021-built 180,000-cbm LNG carrier, Prism Courage, to sail in autonomous mode, under direct supervision, for roughly half of its voyage across the Pacific Ocean.