Classification society ABS and South Korea’s HD Hyundai have signed a deal to work on autonomous projects, including an LNG fuel gas supply system (FGSS).
Building on shared efforts to expand the development of autonomous navigation technology into critical vessel machinery and safety systems, the two firms signed a memorandum of understanding to continue working together on autonomous projects, according to a statement by ABS.
The agreement covers four areas and includes an artificial intelligence-based autonomous LNG FGSS (Hi-GAS+ SMART FGSS).
In addition, the scope of the deal includes developing an AI-based smart LNG boil-off gas management system (Hi-GAS+ AI CHS) as well as machinery health management function (HiCBM) and safety management function (HiCAMS), the statement said.
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 Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE).
Also, 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, ABS said.
ABS and HD Hyundai are coordinating joint development projects to start in the first quarter of 2023.
