- Hanwha Ocean’s hull monitoring system received Tier 3 approval from ABS for real-time structural safety assessment.
- The system uses data fusion to evaluate integrity even in sensor-free areas, enabling preventive maintenance.
- Deployment on offshore plants is planned by 2026, with future commercialization for broader maritime use.
Hanwha Ocean has introduced an innovative smart ship solution capable of diagnosing the safety of ships and offshore structures in real-time. The hull structure monitoring system recently achieved the highest technical grade, Tier 3 concept approval (AiP), from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), marking a significant advancement in maritime safety technology, according to Business Korea.
This approval confirms that the system is safe and feasible, even in areas without physical sensors. The technology effectively evaluates structural integrity beyond conventional monitoring capabilities by employing data fusion and analysis, offering a more comprehensive safety assessment.
Advancing Maritime Digitalization and AI
The system was developed as part of Hanwha Ocean’s Marine Business Technology Cooperation Agreement with ABS, established in September last year. The collaboration focuses on digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and sustainability.
With this newly approved technology, shipowners can implement preventive maintenance strategies, as the system continuously monitors hull conditions. By analyzing operational data, it identifies potential weaknesses caused by waves and cargo weight, providing early warnings in extreme environments. Additionally, it predicts the remaining fatigue life of the hull and suggests optimal inspection schedules to prevent failures.
Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Cost Savings
Hanwha Ocean expects the smart monitoring system to reduce safety inspection time and costs, allowing for timely maintenance interventions that prevent operational disruptions and extend the lifespan of ships. The company is currently conducting empirical research to refine the technology, with plans to deploy it in offshore plants by 2026. In the long term, the solution will be commercialized, ensuring a seamless integration of structural monitoring from design to post-delivery operations.
By leveraging real-world data and analytics, the system will also contribute to improving ship design efficiency and minimizing maintenance costs.
Meeting Industry Demands for Digitalization
Highlighting the growing industry shift toward digitalization, Son Young-chang, Director of Product Strategy and Technology at Hanwha Ocean, stated,
“Recently, shipowners are including digital technology as a contract condition, and classification societies are revising digitalization-related regulations. Based on this concept approval, we will actively respond to the demand for smart and digital technology in the shipping industry.”
With this milestone, Hanwha Ocean is set to drive technological innovation in maritime safety and maintenance, ensuring a more efficient, reliable, and digitally integrated future for the shipping industry.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Business Korea
