The commercialization of autonomous shipping has taken another step forward with the Korean Register(KR) and Liberian Registry(LISCR) awarding Approval in Principle(AiP) on 31 January for Hyundai Intelligent Navigation Assistant System(HiNAS 2.0).
The newly approved HiNAS 2.0, developed by Avikus, a subsidiary of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), uses augmented reality(AR) to enable a ship to navigate optimal routes at ideal speed, and avoid collisions based on the integrated data by artificial intelligence (AI) collected from sensors attached to a vessel and its sailing equipment.
The solution was developed to ensure safe navigation, improve fuel efficiency and ease the operational burden on bridge teams. The autonomous system is also expected to reduce maritime accidents and air pollutants.
To overcome the limitations on existing rules for examining the new autonomous navigation systems, KR, HHI, Avikus, and LISCR signed a joint development agreement in August 2022 to collaborate on bringing HiNAS 2.0 to market. KR and LISCR have now each confirmed the system’s safety and feasibility, having reviewed classification rules, domestic and international standards, and issued an AiP.