Korean Register has signed a memorandum of understanding with HD Hyundai Samho to jointly develop artificial intelligence-based solutions for innovation in ship design and analysis. The partnership agreement was formalised on June 11 as part of a broader digital transformation strategy aimed at enhancing design productivity and strengthening capabilities of ship design engineers in the rapidly evolving shipbuilding landscape.

The collaboration centres on leveraging artificial intelligence to build a more efficient and accurate ship design system, addressing the increasing complexity and competitive pressures facing the global shipbuilding industry.

Dual-Focus Research Initiative

The joint research initiative will concentrate on two core objectives designed to revolutionise traditional ship design processes through advanced AI implementation.

AI-Powered Hull Support Optimization

The first objective involves developing an AI-powered optimisation and structural assessment solution for hull support arrangement. Traditional methods for determining the placement of these supports require complex and repetitive computational analysis that can be time-intensive and prone to inefficiencies.

Through this collaboration, the process will be automated using artificial intelligence, enabling optimal arrangement of supports while providing a user-friendly interface that displays real-time simulation results under various input conditions. This advancement is expected to significantly reduce design time while improving structural accuracy.

Generative AI Design Verification System

The second objective focuses on developing an on-premise design verification system powered by generative AI. The system will be built on a large language model (LLM) foundation and will operate securely within the company’s internal network, ensuring compliance with stringent shipyard security requirements.

By organising accumulated shipbuilding knowledge and streamlining work processes across multiple departments, the system is expected to enhance both technical expertise and operational efficiency throughout the shipyard operations. The secure, internal deployment addresses industry concerns about data protection while maximising AI benefits.

Strategic Vision for AI Expansion

Both organisations view this project as a starting point for broader application of artificial intelligence in ship design. The partnership aims to expand the use of core technologies developed through this initiative to other areas of shipbuilding operations, potentially transforming multiple aspects of maritime construction processes.

Industry Leadership Perspectives

Shim Hak-mu, executive vice president of HD Hyundai Samho, characterised the collaboration as a pivotal step toward significantly advancing design efficiency and accuracy at shipyards through AI-driven automation. He emphasised that optimising hull support arrangements with AI and introducing a secure in-house design system will reduce workload for design engineers while enabling more consistent and precise outcomes, ultimately enhancing overall productivity and quality.

Kim Daeheon, executive vice president of KR, described the joint development project as a significant turning point in modernising ship design and analysis processes using advanced AI technologies. He reaffirmed KR’s commitment to developing a comprehensive range of AI-powered services not only in classification work but also across the broader shipbuilding and maritime sectors.

Digital Transformation Impact

The partnership represents a strategic response to the shipbuilding industry’s need for digital transformation and enhanced competitiveness. By combining KR’s classification expertise with HD Hyundai Samho’s shipbuilding capabilities, the collaboration aims to establish new industry standards for AI integration in maritime design and construction processes.

The initiative positions both organisations at the forefront of technological innovation in shipbuilding, potentially influencing industry-wide adoption of AI-based design solutions and setting precedents for future maritime technology development.

For more information visit www.krs.co.kr

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