South Korea Bets on AI Data to Advance Autonomous Shipping

Credit: Shutterstock

South Korea is stepping up its push into autonomous shipping with a new AI-focused maritime programme designed to collect real data from operating vessels, The Maritime Telegraph reports. Launched on May 7, the project brings together shipbuilders, shipping companies and tech firms under a KRW 35 billion ($25 million) initiative running through 2029. Instead of relying mainly on simulations, developers will train AI systems using information gathered directly at sea.

The programme, led by Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO), will collect data covering navigation, engine performance, ship traffic, weather conditions and onboard safety systems. The goal is to improve AI capabilities in route planning, collision avoidance and remote vessel control.

Officials also plan to open the database to smaller shipyards and maritime tech companies as South Korea races to strengthen its position in smart shipping technologies. The initiative forms part of a much larger autonomous vessel strategy that could eventually receive up to KRW 600 billion ($430 million) in support. According to Park Dong-il from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the future competitiveness of autonomous ships will depend heavily on the quality of operational data.

Global News

Maritime Highlights

Related Maritime News

Yangzijiang Finalizes Strategic Stake in Seaspan

Chinese shipbuilder Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has completed its previously announced investment in Seaspan, acquiring a 10% stake in the containership owner through its holding company, Poseidon, Maritime Executive reports.

Iran releases 10 Indian seafarers after 10-month detention over tanker case

Iran has released 10 Indian seafarers who were detained for nearly 10 months following the seizure of the product tanker Harbour Phoenix near Jask in July 2025. The crew is now preparing to return to India, according to Indian authorities and The Maritime Telegraph.

The seamen were detained after Iranian forces intercepted the vessel about 23 nautical miles off the coast near Kuh-e Mobarak during an anti–fuel smuggling operation.

Rotterdam launches first ethanol bunkering for containerships

The Port of Rotterdam has completed its first ethanol bunkering operation for an ocean-going ship, marking another step in the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner fuels. The containership MV Eco Levant received an ethanol-methanol fuel blend during the operation last weekend.

Zodiac Orders More LNG Car Carriers and Tankers

Zodiac Maritime is adding more vessels to its growing fleet with fresh shipbuilding deals in China, The Maritime Telegraph reports.

The company ordered two LNG dual-fuel car carriers from Yantai CIMC Raffles for delivery in 2028. The move comes as Chinese vehicle exports continue driving demand in the PCTC market. Zodiac already operates over 20 car carriers and has chartered ships to automakers like BYD and Geely.

MOL equips first LNG carrier with wind sails

Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has installed rigid wind sails on an LNG carrier under construction in South Korea, The Maritime Telegraph reports. The vessel will become the world’s first LNG carrier equipped with the Wind Challenger system, a wind-assisted propulsion technology aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

ONE Orders Six LNG Dual-Fuel Vessels

NextShip reports that Ocean Network Express has signed a $1.22 billion deal with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for six LNG dual-fuel container vessels. The move supports ONE’s push toward lower-emission shipping as environmental rules tighten worldwide.