ABS and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on digital technologies aimed at improving safety, cybersecurity, and vessel performance in shipbuilding.
The agreement focuses on developing Digital Threads, enabling secure and integrated data flows across the entire vessel lifecycle. Areas of cooperation include digital engineering, autonomous vessel systems, and integrated cybersecurity solutions.
John McDonald said the partnership reflects the companies’ shared commitment to advancing digital technologies in the maritime industry and improving operational value and safety.
Ki-sun Chung said the collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of digital engineering standards covering the full vessel lifecycle while supporting global class certification efforts.
The two companies will also explore:
- 3D model-based approval systems
- Trusted data exchange between shipyards and classification societies
- Integration between HD KSOE’s Software Defined Vessel architecture and ABS Wavesight™
- Advanced cybersecurity and data safety guidelines for autonomous vessel environments
The cybersecurity work will build on existing IACS requirements while addressing emerging risks linked to next-generation autonomous fleets.
