KRISO, the sole government-funded research institute in Korea in the field of ships and ocean plants, is actively conducting research and development activities related to marine transportation units, marine traffic, and marine safety by using information and communication technology (ICT) convergence technology.

For the successful execution of the “autonomous ship technology development project,” KRISO has organized the Korea Autonomous Surface Ship (KASS) Project Office to control 13 sub-projects. An autonomous ship is a next-generation, high-value–added ship that possibly replaces the decision-making of sailors with intelligent and autonomous systems through the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and sensors. Major core technologies of autonomous ships include an intelligent navigation system, engine automation system, performance demonstration center and demonstration technology, operation technology, and standardization.

KRISO is currently focused on researching intelligent navigation route decision-making functions and systems that recognize collision and accident prevention situations. KRISO is building an autonomous ship performance demonstration center in Ulsan and intends to complete its construction in June next year to commercialize autonomous ships. It can carry out performance certifications not only for ships but also for related element technologies and equipment.

In addition, KRISO is actively conducting research and development activities using the digital twin technology in fields such as autonomous ships, marine energy, and marine robots. Real ship costing enormous time and money can’t be tested in the heavy weather and accident situations. However, the digital twin technology makes it possible to overcome the limitations of ships and conduct pre-verification of various scenarios that could occur at sea.

Many functions of autonomous ships are autonomous and automated, so securing reliability is more important than anything else. The use of digital twin technology makes it possible to perform overall verification of situation recognition technology, optimal navigation route creation technology, emergency monitoring, and response technology. Digital twin technology performs not only pre-verification but also remote operation and maintenance of equipment.