South Korea’s government and shipbuilding industry will invest more than 1.4 trillion won (approx. US$1.05 billion) by 2030 to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among shipbuilders and equipment suppliers.
The initiative will see major shipbuilders develop and test AI-based production technologies before distributing them to partner companies, with the aim of improving productivity across the wider shipbuilding supply chain rather than limiting gains to major shipyards.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries have launched the Shipbuilding M.AX Alliance, a public-private body intended to coordinate the industry’s AI transition. The alliance expands the remit of an autonomous ship consultative body established late last year, extending its focus from autonomous navigation to the application of AI in ship production.
The programme includes projects in three regions. In Mokpo and Yeongam, 596 billion won (approx. US$445m) in government and private investment will support work by HD Hyundai Samho and Daeah Industries to develop AI-assisted assembly processes for curved hull blocks. The technology is intended to be rolled out to nine regional partner companies.
In Geoje and Busan, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean will lead a 500 billion won (approx. US$374m) project focused on ship equipment production, including piping and power distribution. The companies plan to standardise drawing data so design information can feed directly into automated equipment at suppliers, while establishing systems to share design and production information. Suppliers will use these systems to automate processes such as cutting, bending and welding.
A further 310 billion won (approx. US$232m) will be invested in Gunsan to introduce AI into the basic assembly of small hull blocks. J Ocean Heavy Industries, which recently signed an agreement to acquire the Gunsan Shipyard, will expand the factory where demonstration facilities are to be installed and distribute verified technologies to smaller companies in the surrounding area.
