Avikus, HD Hyundai’s specialized autonomous navigation subsidiary, has signed a landmark agreement with HMM, South Korea’s leading national carrier, to supply its AI-based autonomous navigation solution, HiNAS Control, to 40 vessels.

A Milestone in Global Autonomous Shipping

This agreement represents the largest single supply contract for autonomous navigation solutions to date. With this deal, Avikus becomes the first company in the industry to surpass 100 cumulative units of autonomous solutions supplied to large-scale commercial vessels (based on retrofit installations).

Differentiated Technology: AI-Powered Control

Unlike existing navigation support systems that focus solely on recognition and judgment, HiNAS Control is a “Level 2” autonomous system that performs active vessel control.

• Autonomous Operation: The system sets optimal routes and navigates without crew intervention.
• Enhanced Safety: Prevents maritime accidents by utilizing advanced AI for real-time situational awareness.
• Economic Efficiency: Maintains optimal speeds to maximize fuel savings and operational efficiency.
• Operational Continuity: Offers a viable solution to the global shortage of seafarers by reducing crew workload.

Strategic Partnership for Global Standards

In tandem with the supply contract, Avikus, HMM, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for AI-Based Autonomous Navigation Technology Cooperation. This partnership aims to strengthen industrial competitiveness and secure global standards in the evolving shipping market.

Defined Roles under the MOU:

• Avikus: Advancement and supply of the autonomous navigation solution.
• HMM: Deployment and operation of the solution using real-world voyage data.
• HD KSOE: Comprehensive technical support for system integration.

“The core of this collaboration is to enhance the effectiveness of autonomous technology through real-world data while strengthening fleet competitiveness,” said Won-hyuk Choi, CEO of HMM. “We expect to build a sustainable operation system by improving efficiency and safety while reducing the workload of our seafarers.”

“This landmark contract with HMM marks a definitive shift as autonomous navigation moves from technical validation into the era of large-scale commercialization,” said Jay H. Kang, CEO of Avikus. “By surpassing the 100-vessel milestone through this deepened collaboration with HMM, we are not just demonstrating a technology; we are delivering a proven commercial standard that enhances the economic and operational competitiveness of the global fleet.”