ABS reports that it has awarded approval in principle for two new autonomous technologies for ammonia-fuelled ships from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
The AIPs are the culmination of a joint development project between ABS and HD Hyundai, covering unmanned ammonia engine rooms for ammonia-fuelled ships and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) safety package for those unmanned engine rooms.
“Our work together continues to make significant steps forward in the analysis and application of autonomous technologies in maritime settings,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
“ABS understands that autonomous systems are not stand-alone products but fully integrated with vessel infrastructure and the result of numerous advancements in a wide variety of mechanisms including sensors, imaging, connectivity, machine learning and application of systems engineering in ship design.”
The Unmanned Ammonia Engine Room technology allows for a remote propulsion control station to be installed on the navigation bridge of an ammonia-fuelled vessel with the capability to monitor the machinery space. The centralised control station can be periodically unattended and can take automated corrective actions in the event of a fault in the machinery.
The AI Ammonia Safety Package applies AI technologies for machinery management and interior and exterior safety management. The package is integrated into HD Hyundai’s Integrated Safety Control Solution and Integrated Condition Diagnosis Solution and features a rapid response fire-fighting station in the event of fire in the propulsion machinery space.
“In collaboration with ABS, we have established an improved remote monitoring and automated system, which minimises crew access to the engine room and is expected to facilitate safer voyages for the crew,” said Jung Jae Jun, Executive Vice President of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
“This advanced concept will serve as an applicable solution for future newbuilding projects, meeting the demands of customers who seek safety-first ammonia-fuelled ships. Furthermore, we anticipate that the AI Safety Package, when combined with the Unmanned Engine Room concept, will serve to enhance the safety level for the crew.”
