South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai and Denmark’s A.P. Møller-Maersk have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore innovative decarbonisation technologies for use on board vessels and to expand Maersk’s integrated logistics services across HD Hyundai’s global operations.
In a six-month pilot phase, Maersk will implement two digital optimisation tools developed by subsidiaries of HD Hyundai: Avikus’ autonomous navigation system (HiNAS Control) and OceanWise, an AI-driven route optimisation platform developed by HD Hyundai Marine Solution. Both systems will be tested aboard a Maersk container vessel constructed by HD Hyundai, with the goal of quantifying fuel savings and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Last year, Avikus signed a supply contract with the Korean shipping major H-Line to provide AI-powered autonomous navigation services for commercial vessels. The HiNAS Control system demonstrated verified fuel efficiency savings of up to 15% and a 10% reduction in GHG emissions during a 5,800-mile journey from Singapore to Brazil in 2024.
OceanWise uses big data and artificial intelligence to optimise route selection for domestic shipping. HD Hyundai has conducted tests using OceanWise on over 13 routes, covering a total distance of 106,000km. This resulted in projected annual fuel savings of 5.3%. The results were analysed using twin-ship verification and were further validated through an agreement with HD Hyundai Oilbank, the oil refiner and biofuel producer, which commenced in April 2024.
Robert Maersk Uggla, Maersk Chair and CEO, commented: ‘Our partnership with HD Hyundai has been built over decades, founded on mutual trust and respect. This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone, reinforcing the strong relationship we have developed and paving the way for even greater collaboration in the future.’
Chung Kisun, President of HD Hyundai said of the MoU: ‘Our collaboration with Maersk will serve as a leading example of innovation in the global logistics market by combining decarbonisation shipping technologies with integrated logistics networks. We will rapidly advance the world’s best shipbuilding technologies with the goal of building a sustainable maritime logistics network that ensures safety, low-emissions, and optimal efficiency.’
Maersk and HD Hyundai have committed to joint research on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems, an emerging power generation technology that has the potential to deliver high-efficiency, low-emission performance for maritime vessels. The two companies will also explore retrofit solutions to enhance energy efficiency, increase cargo capacity, and convert existing vessels to dual-fuel propulsion.
