HMM Partners with Samsung Heavy to Jointly Research Smart and Eco-Friendly Ships

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] HMM (formerly Hyundai Merchant Marine) is embarking on a joint research project on smart and eco-friendly ships with Samsung Heavy Industries.

On the 8th, HMM announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Samsung Heavy Industries for joint research on smart and eco-friendly ships at the HMM Ocean Service in Busan. About 10 people attended the signing ceremony, including Choi Jong-cheol, Executive Director of HMM Maritime Division, and Shim Yong-rae, Head of Samsung Heavy Industries’ Shipbuilding and Marine Research Institute.

Through this MOU, both companies will collaborate on ▲ joint research utilizing HMM vessels and Samsung Heavy Industries’ smart ship solution (SVESSEL) ▲ advancement of technology and enhancement of capabilities in the eco-friendly smart ship sector ▲ mutual exchange of experts ▲ academic and technical information exchange ▲ joint use of educational and research facilities.

HMM plans to provide accumulated data and know-how from directly operating vessels, while proposing user requirements to support improvements to the smart ship solution.

Executive Director Choi said, "Recent global maritime technology focuses on digitalization and de-carbonization, and HMM is continuously participating in technology development through active external cooperation," adding, "This joint research will create significant synergy effects for both companies as well as for the development of the domestic shipping and shipbuilding industries."

Meanwhile, since April, HMM has built a 24,000 TEU (a unit referring to one 6-meter container) class container ship deployed on European routes as a state-of-the-art smart ship equipped with advanced IT technology. It has also established a 'Smart Ship Control Center' that can monitor cargo loaded on the ship, routes, location, weather, and ship status in real time, which will begin operation in mid-month.

In addition, HMM is focusing on digitalizing its shipping business by introducing cloud systems, developing shipping logistics systems, establishing dedicated digitalization teams, and developing real-time cargo monitoring systems using the Internet of Things (IoT).