KR (Korean Register) has partnered with Sinokor Merchant Marine and HD Hyundai Marine Solution(HD HMS) to advance ship maintenance through condition-based maintenance (CBM) technology powered by artificial intelligence.
The project will deploy advanced CBM systems on two Sinokor container ships, an 1,800 TEU and an 8,000 TEU vessel. Unlike traditional scheduled maintenance, CBM technology enables real-time monitoring of equipment, triggering maintenance only when needed – reducing operational costs while enhancing vessel reliability. This approach aims not to only enhance efficiency, but represents a step toward digitalized and autonomous shipping.
As part of this joint project, Sinokor will provide maintenance history data, while HD HMS will supply past operational data. KR will develop big data analytics, AI algorithms, and software to apply the technology to real ships.
Furthermore, KR has been developing core technologies for fault diagnosis and prognosis since 2017, applying artificial intelligence (AI) to critical ship machinery such as engines, generators, pumps, and switchboards. This includes creating fault flowcharts, analyzing big data collected from experimental failure scenarios, and developing sophisticated AI models. To ensure seamless integration aboard vessels, KR has adopted Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) to develop full-lifecycle technical services.
By applying CBM technology to ship engine rooms, this joint development project will serve as a significant foundation for transforming vessel maintenance and collecting big data to advance smart shipping technology.
…said Kim Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR’s R&D Division.
Daeheon continued by stating that moving forward, KR plans to expand CBM applications to various ship equipment, including low-flashpoint fuel supply systems and batteries, creating comprehensive lifecycle technical services that will drive the future of maritime operations.
