According to representatives from ABS, the partnership will focus on exchanging information and expertise through joint workshops and seminars. These activities are designed to enhance international standardization capabilities and streamline certification procedures for South Korean equipment manufacturers, improving the efficiency of global compliance processes.
Under the MoU, ABS and KATS will also work together to establish a conformity assessment framework, which will enable verification of equipment compliance with international regulations. This framework is expected to support the broader adoption of smart technologies in shipbuilding and vessel management, contributing to higher levels of safety, performance, and sustainability in the maritime sector.
Recent years have seen steady growth in the development and application of smart shipyard technologies across South Korea. Digital solutions in this area offer a range of benefits, including reduced delays, lower material waste, energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and improved safety performance. These advancements are increasingly being integrated into the operations of major shipbuilders.
Leading South Korean companies such as HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), HD Hyundai Mipo, and HD Hyundai Samho have intensified efforts to create smart shipyard environments. In September, these companies selected Siemens Industry Software and Aviva as their preferred partners to develop a “design and production integration platform” aimed at accelerating the transition toward intelligent shipyard operations.
In June, HD Hyundai Samho partnered with ABS to advance an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven smart shipyard project. The initiative also focuses on automation and robotics to enhance manufacturing precision and operational efficiency. In May, ABS signed a joint development project (JDP) with HD Hyundai Mipo to design digital manufacturing-based automation equipment for shipyards, reflecting ABS’s expanding role in the digital transformation of maritime production.
Through the new MoU with KATS, ABS further reinforces its commitment to promoting technological innovation and international collaboration in the shipbuilding industry. The partnership is expected to accelerate the creation of global standards that support the safe, efficient, and sustainable growth of smart vessel and shipyard technologies. By aligning regulatory and technical frameworks, ABS and KATS aim to advance the competitiveness of shipbuilding while fostering innovation across the maritime supply chain.
