ABS approves South Korean autonomous engineroom optimiser

A trio of HD Hyundai subsidiaries have secured approval from US classification society ABS for technology that optimises propulsion systems to lower fuel consumption and improve reliability.

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HD HMS) developed the VesselWise autonomous suite to optimise the performance of propulsion and machinery on ships, specifically LNG carriers built in South Korea.

It uses real-time data from multiple components on generators and engines to generate optimal control scenarios that could maximise fuel efficiency and improve overall operational stability.

In early October 2025, ABS granted approval in principle (AIP) for VesselWise after it demonstrated compliance with ABS requirements for autonomous and remote-control functions, with semi-autonomous capabilities to integrate and co-ordinate various functions.

“This AIP is a significant step toward more autonomous operations, contributing to a safer and more efficient industry,” said ABS senior vice president for marine business development Joshua Divin.

“In the journey to a fully autonomous vessel, ABS is working with HD Hyundai as it works to autonomise functions onboard vessels step-by-step, starting with navigation systems and moving on to the engineroom.”