South Korea To Launch 10-Year Strategy For Commercializing Autonomous Ships

South Korea is taking a major step toward revolutionizing its maritime sector by developing a long-term strategy to commercialize autonomous marine vehicles. The move aims to boost maritime safety, reduce carbon emissions, and modernize shipping through cutting-edge digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), according to Oceans Minister Kang Do-hyung.

Autonomous Ships: A New Era in Maritime Innovation

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of a newly established policy committee on autonomous ship technology, Minister Kang emphasized the transformative role that autonomous vessels will play in the global shipping industry. These smart ships are expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in maritime transport.

Key Objectives of the 10-Year Plan

The long-term strategy, to be unveiled later this year, will lay out a comprehensive roadmap spanning the next decade. It will focus on:

• Developing core technologies for autonomous vessel construction and operation

• Modernizing the maritime system to support autonomous operations

• Fostering talent in the fields of marine AI, engineering, and data science

• Reforming domestic regulations to accommodate future autonomous shipping standards

The initiative is led by South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Global Cooperation and Regulatory Development

South Korea’s announcement comes in conjunction with the Our Ocean Conference (OOC), held in Busan. The country aims to align with global developments and actively contribute to international regulatory frameworks. Minister Kang highlighted the importance of international cooperation in establishing global standards for autonomous shipping.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently working on a Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) Code, expected by 2032, which will guide the safe design, construction, and operation of autonomous vessels worldwide.

As the maritime industry evolves with digital transformation, South Korea’s proactive strategy places it at the forefront of global efforts to adopt smart shipping technologies. By investing in innovation, infrastructure, and international collaboration, the country seeks to not only improve maritime operations but also set a global benchmark for the future of autonomous navigation.