Gyeongnam Province Successfully Conducts Maritime Demonstration in Unmanned Ship Regulatory Free Zone

Rapid Life-Saving Response in Maritime Accidents, Excellent for Marine Patrols

Unmanned vessel demonstrating functions and performance such as coastal reconnaissance and surveillance (Photo by Gyeongnam Province)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kang Woo-kwon] Gyeongsangnam-do announced on the 23rd that its ‘Unmanned Ship Regulatory Free Zone Maritime Demonstration’ was successfully conducted.

The maritime demonstration, held over three days from the 21st to the 23rd, was carried out focusing on maritime surveillance and lifesaving activities using the unmanned ship Haegum II developed by LIG Nex1, following Gyeongnam’s designation as an unmanned ship regulatory free zone last year.

This maritime demonstration proved the technology for autonomous navigation and remote control of unmanned ships in offshore waters.

It is expected to greatly help in rapid lifesaving during maritime accidents, strengthen surveillance of maritime facilities such as cage aquaculture farms, and prevent maritime accidents including unauthorized intrusion, theft, and robbery.

Additionally, research is actively underway to convert the high-speed boats used by the Korea Coast Guard into unmanned ships since June. Once the high-speed boats are replaced with unmanned ships, safe maritime surveillance activities and rapid identification of unauthorized vessels are expected to enable swift responses.

The next maritime demonstration, scheduled for mid-October, will involve maritime surveillance, red tide monitoring, marine cleaning, and underwater detection platforms by four unmanned ship free zone operators. Sonatech, based in Busan and possessing the nation’s top technology in sonar (acoustic detection), is expected to join as an additional free zone operator.

Kim Young-sam, Director of the Industrial Innovation Bureau, stated, “Since this is the first unmanned ship maritime demonstration, we have thoroughly prepared safety measures and will promptly commercialize the results obtained from the demonstration to serve as a new catalyst for the stagnant shipbuilding industry.” He also urged, “Please strive to improve technology so that our Gyeongnam can take the lead in the global unmanned ship market.”