(Commonwealth_ Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has taken a significant step towards fully autonomous vessel operations with the introduction of its latest innovation, the SHIFT-Auto research vessel. The presentation of this vessel, showcasing the latest advancements in autonomous navigation technology, marked a crucial milestone in the future of maritime automation. The unveiling took place at Goheun Bay off Geoje Island, South Korea, with the CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries, along with Deputy Minister of Industry Policy Lee Seung-ryeol and representatives from the classification society, boarding the vessel for a test ride.
The autonomous design of SHIFT-Auto, a 12-person catamaran, positions it as a “mission-based autonomous research vessel.” Its primary goal is to advance the development of fully autonomous maritime operations, equipped with the necessary technologies from the outset. SHI opted for a catamaran design due to its reduced vibration and enhanced stability, factors that are crucial for optimizing autonomous navigation research. The choice of this design underscores the company’s commitment to creating a platform that allows for precise and efficient testing of autonomous systems in a real-world environment.
According to Lee Dong-yeon, Vice President and Head of Samsung Heavy Industries Shipbuilding & Marine Research Institute, SHIFT-Auto represents a technological milestone in the journey toward fully autonomous maritime operations. Not only does the vessel showcase autonomous navigation advancements, but it also refines the integration of AI and IoT technologies, which are crucial to modern autonomous systems.
Although much of the previous autonomous navigation demonstrations have focused on obstacle identification and route guidance to avoid collisions, SHIFT-Auto goes a step further. This vessel is capable of fully autonomous operations, including automated docking and anchoring, with no crew intervention required. These capabilities represent a significant leap forward, as the vessel can perform complex maneuvers that would typically require human intervention, such as docking at busy ports or anchoring in challenging conditions.
This innovation is not Samsung Heavy Industries’ first venture into autonomous navigation. The company made headlines last year when it successfully demonstrated autonomous navigation on an Evergreen containership, which completed a 1,500 km (800 nautical miles) voyage in the South China Sea. Additionally, the Mokpo Maritime University training ship conducted a 2,800 km (1,500 nautical miles) autonomous demonstration on a route in the Philippines, further proving the viability of autonomous maritime technology over long distances.
SHIFT-Auto, however, goes beyond the capabilities demonstrated by these previous projects. SHIFT-Auto designs itself as an integrated autonomous operation platform, integrating cutting-edge AI and IoT technologies to facilitate seamless operations. These innovations will help pave the way for more sophisticated systems that could eventually transform the global shipping industry by reducing the need for human crew members and enhancing the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.
The South Korean government is actively supporting these developments as part of its broader initiative to lead the global push for autonomous maritime technologies. The Ministry for Industry Policy (MOTIE) has pledged continued backing for trials like the one conducted with SHIFT-Auto by offering a “regulatory sandbox.” This sandbox provides exemptions for testing and demonstration operations, allowing companies like SHI to push the boundaries of technology without the immediate constraints of existing maritime regulations. MOTIE plans to use the data and insights gathered from these demonstrations to shape future regulations for autonomous ships, positioning South Korea as a global leader in the commercialization and regulation of autonomous maritime technologies. In addition to the technological advancements, South Korea is keen to ensure that its shipbuilding industry remains at the forefront of global innovation. MOTIE has called on the country’s shipbuilders to lead the way in the development and commercial deployment of autonomous vessels.
