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Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has revealed its cutting-edge, mission-based autonomous research vessel, the \u201cSHIFT-Auto.\u201d This vessel, designed with complete autonomy, was launched on November 21, 2024.<\/p>\n
SHI CEO Choi Sung-an, officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE), and representatives from leading classification societies attended the event.<\/p>\n
The SHIFT-Auto is a 12-passenger catamaran built specifically for autonomous navigation research. Its dual-hull design reduces vibration and improves stability, providing a suitable platform for testing advanced autonomous technology.<\/p>\n
The vessel is equipped with Samsung Electronics\u2019 SmartThings IoT system, enabling real-time data collection and analysis to ensure smooth, reliable operation.<\/p>\n
During the event, guests had the chance to board SHIFT-Auto and experience its autonomous capabilities firsthand. This was more than just a simple demonstration. Attendees witnessed the vessel\u2019s advanced features in action, including automatic berthing and voice-activated control, which set it apart from other autonomous vessels.<\/p>\n
The company plans to showcase mission-based operations with the vessel, demonstrating its ability to navigate, dock<\/a>, and moor, all without any crew on board.<\/p>\n The SHIFT-Auto launch builds on SHI\u2019s prior successes with autonomous vessels. Last year, an Evergreen container ship completed a 1,500 km voyage across the South China Sea, and Mokpo National Maritime University\u2019s training ship \u201cSegero\u201d sailed 2,800 km along the Philippine route.<\/p>\n These trials showed that autonomous navigation technology is ready for real-world use.<\/p>\n The government has created a \u201cregulatory sandbox\u201d that allows companies like SHI to test and demonstrate new technologies ahead of the full implementation of regulations, which will officially come into effect in January 2025.<\/p>\n MOTIE has pledged continued support for these trials to help shape the future of autonomous shipping.<\/p>\n Other South Korean shipbuilders, including Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, are also conducting autonomous vessel demonstrations.<\/p>\n