First Integrated Automation Containership Begins International Operations In South Korea

South Korea’s first containership with an integrated automation system completed installation and testing and is now ready for international operations.

The POS Singapore (22,867 dwt) vessel is part of a government-supported project to advance autonomous shipping technologies. The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries supported the initiative.

The POS Singapore, built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan and ordered in 2022, is 576 feet (172 meters) long and can hold 1,800 TEU. It was launched in March and delivered in April.

Since then, the automation systems have been completely outfitted and tested. PAN Ocean, a South Korean shipping company, was responsible for integrating the automation systems.

On September 23, during a ceremony celebrating the vessel’s departure, government authorities stated that the POS Singapore will be used to test and validate automation systems over the next year.

The ship is now en route to Shanghai and will operate on routes between Korea and Southeast Asia.

The automation system features innovative technology, including intelligent navigation, which allows the ship to monitor weather conditions and ensure safe passage.

The system also includes engine automation and cybersecurity systems. The South Korean government invested $119 million in this initiative, which they see as an essential step towards commercializing autonomous shipping.

Officials further reiterated South Korea’s intention to lead the development of international standards for ship automation.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is working on the MASS Code, which will provide global standards for maritime automation. South Korean academics, researchers, and government authorities are involved in the initiative.

Korea plans to use these developments to get a competitive advantage in shipbuilding. In recent years, the country has tested automation technologies on several vessels, including an LNG carrier for a Pacific journey in 2022 and a smaller domestic cargo ship last year.

Reference: Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea, CrewMirror

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Source: Maritime Shipping News