South Korea has just recently launched its first autonomous containership.
Pos Singapore, built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, has a 1800 TEU capacity. It was commissioned by Pan Ocean shipping company in April 2022.
The vessel is to carry out international long-distance demonstrations by the end of the year. It is equipped with sophisticated technology that could allow it to be operated remotely, without the need for a crew on board, achieving a level 3 artificial intelligence rating.
“We hope that the demonstration vessel will contribute to the development of domestic technology for autonomous operation and contribute to the development of the Korea’s shipbuilding and shipping industry,” a Hyundai Mipo Dockyard official said.
Last year, the South Korean government revealed its intention to invest 710 billion KRW ($545 million) in next-generation shipbuilding technology and carbon-free fuels. The government intends to press for the early commercialization of autonomous self-navigating vessels.
Translation by Giles Foster
