Korean Register (KR) and HD Hyundai Samho have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop AI-driven solutions aimed at innovating ship design and analysis.
The collaboration supports a broader digital transformation strategy focused on enhancing design productivity and strengthening engineering capabilities in the evolving shipbuilding industry.
The initiative centres on using AI to create a more efficient and accurate design process.
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The joint research will target two main objectives:
- AI-Based Hull Support Optimisation: The partners will develop an AI-powered tool to automate the optimisation and structural assessment of hull support arrangements, traditionally a labour-intensive task requiring complex analysis. The system will feature a user-friendly interface and real-time simulation capabilities based on varying input conditions.
- On-Premise Generative AI Verification System: A secure, internal design verification system will be developed using a large language model (LLM). Compliant with shipyard security standards, it will organise accumulated shipbuilding knowledge and streamline workflows across departments to improve technical expertise and operational efficiency.
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KR and HD Hyundai Samho view this initiative as a foundation for broader AI integration in shipbuilding and plan to expand their core technologies to other operational areas.
SHIM Hak-mu, Executive Vice President of HD Hyundai Samho, stated: “In particular, optimising the arrangement of hull supports with AI and introducing a secure in-house design system will ease the workload for design engineers while enabling more consistent and precise outcomes — ultimately enhancing overall productivity and quality.”
KIM Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR, further commented: “This joint development project represents a significant turning point in modernising the ship design and analysis process using advanced AI technologies.”
