HD Hyundai Samho, Avikus and ClassNK advance autonomous LNG carrier design

HD Hyundai Samho, Avikus and ClassNK have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and verify a ship design incorporating autonomous navigation technology.

The companies signed the agreement during Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The joint development project will integrate Avikus’ HINAS Control autonomous navigation solution into a vessel design. ClassNK will then assess whether the design meets the requirements for its autonomous navigation notation.

Technology to be assessed on 180,000 m³ LNG carrier

The partners will study the technical feasibility of installing HINAS Control on a 180,000 m³ LNG carrier currently under construction.

The project will follow ClassNK’s Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of Ships.

Under the agreement:

• HD Hyundai Samho will develop the basic vessel design based on the requirements of the targeted ClassNK notation.
• Avikus will provide HINAS Control and technical support covering autonomous navigation algorithms and system functions.
• ClassNK will review the design and assess it against the applicable notation requirements.

The partners aim to expand the technology’s application to operational vessels following the technical review.

“This MOU marks an important first step toward securing advanced autonomous navigation technology by proactively obtaining Approval in Principle for compliance with classification notation requirements,” said Hak-Mu Shim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Design Division at HD Hyundai Samho.

Shim added that the project combines HD Hyundai Samho’s shipbuilding capabilities with Avikus’ autonomous technology and ClassNK’s regulatory expertise.

“At a time when international technical standards for autonomous ships are rapidly evolving, trilateral collaboration among a shipbuilder, an autonomous navigation solution provider and a classification society is highly significant,” said Hayato Suga, President and CEO of ClassNK.

HINAS Control moves towards classification verification

Avikus said HINAS Control has already been adopted as a standard solution for vessels within HD Hyundai Group.

“We are pleased to pursue the verification of our HINAS Control technology in collaboration with a world-leading shipyard and classification society. This project will provide an important opportunity to verify its safety and reliability against classification standards,” said Do-Hyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus.

The companies said the project would support the wider introduction of autonomous ship technologies and contribute to safer and more efficient maritime transportation.

The post HD Hyundai Samho, Avikus and ClassNK advance autonomous LNG carrier design appeared first on Container News.