The South Korean government and the shipbuilding industry will invest over 1.4 trillion Korean won by 2030 to support the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in small and medium-sized shipbuilding and equipment companies. The initiative involves large shipbuilders and their partners developing and validating AI-based production technologies, which will then be disseminated to smaller firms. The goal is to enhance productivity not only in major shipyards but also among suppliers of components and hull blocks.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries launched the Shipbuilding M.AX Alliance, a public-private consultative body to drive AI transformation in the shipbuilding sector, on the 12th. This marks an expansion of the autonomous ship consultative body established late last year. Beyond advancing autonomous ship technology, the alliance aims to integrate AI into shipbuilding processes. The launch ceremony was attended by approximately 200 participants from 100 institutions, including Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, shipbuilding and shipping companies, equipment manufacturers, universities, and research institutes.
Shipbuilding is traditionally seen as a challenging sector for AI adoption due to its reliance on handling large, heavy components and manual labor-intensive tasks like welding. Since parts and hull blocks produced by suppliers are assembled in shipyards, transforming production methods solely in large companies has limitations. If suppliers’ manual processes remain unchanged, overall production efficiency cannot be significantly improved.
Following the launch, the government and industry will pursue AI-driven production process innovation projects in three regions: Mokpo/Yeongam, Geoje/Busan, and Gunsan. A total of 596 billion Korean won, combining private investment and government funding, will be allocated to Mokpo/Yeongam. HD Hyundai Samho and Daeya Industries will jointly develop an AI-based process for assembling curved hull blocks. The validated technology will be applied to nine local suppliers, including Daeya Industries.
In Geoje/Busan, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean will lead a 500 billion Korean won project to overhaul production processes for ship equipment such as piping and electrical distribution systems. The companies will standardize design data to enable direct input into suppliers’ automated robots and establish a system for sharing design and production information. Piping manufacturers plan to automate cutting, bending, and welding tasks based on this infrastructure.
In Gunsan, 310 billion Korean won will be invested to introduce AI into the basic assembly process for small hull blocks. J Ocean Heavy Industries, which recently signed a contract to acquire the Gunsan Shipyard, will expand its facilities to install demonstration equipment and disseminate verified technologies to nearby small and medium-sized companies. Support will also be provided to companies that left the shipbuilding sector but wish to return, encouraging them to adopt AI technologies.
Source: The Chosun Daily