On 16 January 2026 in Seoul, Avikus—the autonomous navigation subsidiary of HD Hyundai—has signed an agreement with HMM to deploy its AI-based autonomous navigation solution, HiNAS Control, across 40 vessels.

Avikus said the order is the largest one-off supply contract announced so far for autonomous navigation solutions. The company added that, with this deal, it has exceeded 100 cumulative retrofit installations of autonomous solutions on large commercial vessels—described as an industry first on that retrofit-based measure.

HiNAS Control is presented as a “Level 2” autonomous navigation system that goes beyond recognition and decision-support functions by enabling active vessel control. Avikus said the system can set optimal routes and navigate without crew intervention, support accident prevention through real-time situational awareness, and improve operating economics by maintaining optimal speeds for fuel savings and efficiency. The company also framed the rollout as a way to reduce crew workload amid a global shortage of seafarers.

Alongside the supply agreement, Avikus, HMM, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) have signed an MOU on AI-based autonomous navigation technology cooperation. Under the arrangement, Avikus is responsible for advancing and supplying the solution, HMM will deploy and operate it using voyage data, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) will provide technical support for system integration.