Samsung Heavy Industries, announced on Monday that it has signed a joint development agreement with Kongsberg Maritime AS, a Norwegian technology company, to develop next-generation LNG autonomous ships.
The two companies intend to work together on 174,000-cubic-meter LNG carriers that will use advanced remote and low-carbon technologies to improve safety and efficiency. AI-derived autonomous systems could revolutionize ship operation, particularly during long transits. A fleet of autonomous vessels, for example, could travel in wake-reducing formations to increase energy efficiency.
SHI will handle systems integration and overall design, while Kongsberg will be responsible for providing integrated solution designs. Kongsberg has considerable experience in developing and fielding autonomous and remote navigation systems, including the technology behind the all-electric container feeder Yara Birkeland.
It should be noted that in October 2020, Samsung Heavy successfully navigated its 300-ton remote autonomous ship in the seas off Geoje Island, 398 kilometers south of Seoul, using a remote control system at a research center in Daejeon, 250 kilometers away from the seas.
