South Korea and Denmark have announced expansion of their cooperation seeking to enhance global marine navigation systems and develop technologies for automated ships, according to South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
On this context, South Korean Minister Kim Young-choon signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Brian Mikkelsen, in a ceremony in Seoul, on 23 February, Yonhap news agency reported. The signing took place as part of a visit from Danish shipping companies to Seoul and Busan, together with, among others, Danske Maritime, Danish Industry and Export Association.
The new agreement calls for joint efforts for e-Navigation and automated ships based on artificial intelligence, big data and digitalization in shipping and shipbuilding sector. Back in 2014, Sweden, South Korea and Denmark initiated a global partnership on the development of e-navigation solutions, by signing a MoU to implement common test beds for future e-navigation solutions.
E-navigation is a major initiative pushed by the IMO to harmonize and enhance marine navigation systems. Automated ships, next generation vessels without crew members onboard that will be commanded from shore, are expected to enhance safety and minimize the human error in maritime casualties.
Headquartering the world’s largest container shipping company, Denmark is a major maritime hub that has emphasized in automation and new technologies in recent years. Recently, the Danish Maritime Authority issued a report highlighting major regulatory barriers for autonomous ships.
