Korean Register (KR) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DSME, agreeing to work together on increased digitalization and the development smart and autonomous ship technology, according to KR's release.
The MOU was signed on 18 May and was attended by representatives from both companies, including the CEOs. KR and DSME will form a joint council and cooperate on smart and autonomous ship technologies and digitalization research.
The key aspects of the joint collaboration include the development of a smart ship service to improve the safety and efficiency of ship navigation, development of Digital Data Exchange technology, development and verification/certification of autonomous navigation technology, joint development of crew training contents, and digital technology for smart yard implementation which will include smart sea trial operations and digital RT.
With ‘digital and eco-friendly’ as a future keyword, KR launched its big data based Integrated Survey Center (KR-ISC) last month as the latest step in its ambition to be a 'leading digital classification society'. The development of, necessity and demand for smart technology is a crucial global issue regardless of industry boundaries. In line with this trend, the shipbuilding industry is accelerating the construction of smart yards and securing core technologies for the autonomous and safe operation of ships. DSME will lead the development of smart ship and autonomous operation technologies using research from its own smart ship platform (DS4).
By utilizing the digital production center currently operating in the Okpo Shipyard, the company plans to speed up the implementation of smart yards by strengthening workplace safety and increasing operational efficiency.
Korean Register (KR) was established in 1960 with the purpose of promoting safety of life, property and the protection of the marine environment. KR currently classes an international fleet of 3,051 vessels totaling 77 million GT. It is headquartered in Busan, South Korea with a network of 66 offices around the world. KR is authorized to perform statutory and certification services in 81 countries around the world.