Avikus, a unit of South Korea’s leading shipbuilding group, HD Hyundai, has commercialized its Level 2 autonomous navigation system for the first time in the shipbuilding industry, reports the Korean Bizwire.
Level 2 autonomous navigation solution
Avikus has signed a deal with two domestic firms — SK Shipping Co. and Sinokor Merchant Marine Co. — to gradually supply the Level 2 autonomous navigation solution to 23 ships operated by the shippers, the company said in a statement.
The deep learning-based HiNAS 2.0 system will allow a vessel to respond to unexpected situations on its own. Controlling speed, avoiding collisions and minimizing fuel consumption will also be possible in the system, it said.
Level 2 technology
There are four levels in autonomous navigation technologies approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the Level 2 technology, crew members need to be on board to intervene in case of an emergency situation.
Level 3 technology
A Level 3 vessel does not require crew members and the remote-control system is available in case of an emergency. At Level 4, a boat’s automated features can navigate under any conditions.
Level 2 system for leisure boats
The autonomous navigation system market is currently in its infant stage, and Avikus is aiming to sell the Level 2 system for leisure boats starting next year, the statement said.
Avikus has sold 220 units of the Level 1 system, mostly to overseas shippers that operate high-end commercial ships, such as container carriers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships.
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Source: The Korean Bizwire
