Avikus, the autonomous navigation subsidiary of HD Hyundai, has received Type Approval (TA) from classification society DNV for its HiNAS Control system, which combines perception, decision-making, and control functions, allowing vessels to detect obstacles and manoeuvre to avoid collisions.
The company says that the approval marks the first time a mass-produced autonomous navigation system designed for use across multiple vessel types has received international certification.
Previously, such certifications were typically limited to specific ship projects. This latest approval will allow the system to be installed on ships without the need for additional verification.
“HiNAS Control’s Type Approval is a major milestone, marking it as one of the first systems to bring autonomous navigation technology beyond the conceptual stage and into commercialisation,” said Vidar Dolonen, Korea and Japan Region Manager of DNV.
The system was validated over a three-year period, during which DNV evaluated its collision avoidance capabilities in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). The verification framework included a systematic assessment of system alarms, navigational information displays, and ship control performance.
“This Type Approval demonstrates that Avikus’ autonomous navigation technology has achieved global standards of safety and reliability,” said Lim Do Hyeong, Chief Executive Officer of Avikus.
The HiNAS Control technology has been included as a standard specification on vessels built by HD Hyundai since 2023. To date, Avikus says it has secured more than 500 cumulative orders for the system.
