Employees of HD Hyundai Avikus, who succeeded in the autonomous navigation of a large vessel across the ocean, are inspecting the autonomous navigation system. Photo by HD Hyundai
[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jung] Abicus, a ship autonomous navigation specialist company under HD Hyundai, has succeeded in commercializing the world's first Level 2 autonomous navigation solution.
On the 9th, Abicus announced that it signed a contract the day before with two domestic shipping companies, SK Shipping and Janggeum Shipping, for the large vessel autonomous navigation solution 'HiNAS 2.0'. The ordered HiNAS 2.0 will be sequentially installed from August next year on a total of 23 large vessels under construction, including container ships and LNG carriers.
HiNAS 2.0 corresponds to Level 2 in the autonomous navigation ship system stages, and Abicus is the first in the world to commercialize a Level 2 autonomous navigation solution for both large vessels (merchant ships) and small vessels (leisure boats).
HiNAS 2.0 adds 'autonomous control' technology to the Level 1 autonomous navigation solution (HiNAS 1.0) that Abicus developed and commercialized in 2020. It goes beyond merely supporting crew decision-making; through deep learning-based situational awareness and judgment, the ship itself can respond to various unexpected situations such as speed control and collision avoidance. Additionally, based on accumulated real navigation data, it generates optimal navigation routes and applies functions that allow the ship to autonomously control engine output to minimize fuel consumption.
Previously, Abicus had received orders for a total of about 170 units of HiNAS 1.0 from domestic and international shipping companies. The AI-based navigation assistance system, HiVAS, has also received orders for about 50 units.
Recently, Abicus obtained a certificate of proof from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in June for the world's first successful autonomous ocean crossing of a large vessel. As the world's first certificate granted for autonomous ship technology, it is expected to greatly aid Abicus in securing a leading position in the autonomous navigation market and expanding its sales capabilities.
According to global market research firm Acute Market Reports, the autonomous ship and related equipment market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 12.6%, reaching a market size of $235.7 billion (approximately 307.7534 trillion KRW) by 2028.
Lim Dohyung, CEO of Abicus, said, "We will conduct customized sales activities targeting global shipowners through the advancement of autonomous navigation technology," and added, "We will strive to equip HiNAS 2.0 on all large vessels worldwide by obtaining approvals from various classification societies and countries."
Meanwhile, Abicus will participate in 'Fort Lauderdale 2022,' one of the world's largest boat shows held in Florida, USA, at the end of October, and will focus on commercializing autonomous navigation solutions for leisure boats as well.
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