Japan and the United States have launched joint R&D on AI shipbuilding robotics and a simulation platform, while discussing demonstration methods for shipyards in both countries.
Researchers are developing AI-powered robots to scan ships during construction, compare work against digital twins and help shipyards detect build errors earlier.
HD Hyundai is advancing electric propulsion technology for large vessels, targeting commercialisation in 2028 and deployment by 2030.
LR and Orca AI completed a live vessel trial demonstrating AI-powered navigation performance, achieving high detection accuracy in real conditions.
HOKUREN MARU No.2 completed autonomous navigation trials and passed Japan’s statutory inspection as an autonomous vessel, marking the first such case for a RORO vessel in Japan.
A 3,800 DWT heavy-lift build at Rock Shipbuilding will use Wärtsilä 31 with a gearbox supporting PTI/PTO/PTH modes plus CPP control and hydrodynamic optimisation; delivery is set for spring 2027.
South Korea’s plan to build a shared AI autonomous navigation system with Hanwha Ocean, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries is meeting resistance as shipyards seek to protect proprietary technology.
Japan’s major carriers—NYK, MOL, and “K” Line—are set to invest in MILES to standardize LCO2 carrier and new fuel ship designs. This unprecedented collaboration between shippers and yards aims to boost productivity and global competitiveness.
A new Seaspan-commissioned study shows SMRs could accelerate vessel schedules, cut operating costs by $68M annually, and expand cargo capacity on 15,000-TEU ships, with strong adoption potential by 2050.
