SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea has made a significant stride in the field of autonomous shipping with the successful launch of the SHIFT-Auto, a 12-meter autonomous vessel developed by Samsung Heavy Industries. The launch, which took place in Geoje, South Korea on September 21st, marks a major milestone in the country's efforts to become a global leader in autonomous maritime technology.
The SHIFT-Auto is equipped with a range of advanced technologies, including automated docking, voice control, and an Internet of Things (IoT) system. Samsung Heavy Industries plans to further develop the vessel's capabilities, such as collision avoidance, optimal route planning, and remote control using low-Earth orbit satellites.
The launch of the SHIFT-Auto was made possible through regulatory reforms implemented by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. In July, the government approved a regulatory sandbox for autonomous ships, allowing companies to conduct real-world testing of autonomous vessel technologies even before the full implementation of the Autonomous Ship Act, which is set to take effect in January 2024.
South Korea is positioning itself as a global leader in autonomous shipping technology. In September, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries jointly developed a Korean autonomous ship system, which is currently being tested on an 1,800 TEU container ship. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is also conducting trials with an 8,000 TEU container ship, and Hanwha Ocean plans to begin its own trials next year.
The South Korean government is committed to supporting the development and commercialization of autonomous shipping technology. Lee Seung-yeol, Director-General of the Industrial Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, "With the recent expression of interest in Korea's shipbuilding industry by US President-elect Trump, autonomous shipping is expected to be an area of potential cooperation. The government will continue to provide the necessary support to develop and commercialize cutting-edge autonomous shipping technologies."
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