ABS approves HD Hyundai VesselWise Tech

Representatives from ABS and HD Hyundai Group met at Gastech 2025 in Milan, Italy. (L to R) SeMin Kim; ABS Senior Manager, Business Development; Byounghun Kwon, HD KSOE Executive Vice President and Research Director of Digital Research Lab; Joshua Divin; ABS Senior Vice President, Marine Business Development; Sang-Sik Yoon, HD HHI Senior Vice President; and Seong-Heon Cho, HD HMS Executive Vice President.

ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) for VesselWise, HD Hyundai Group’s next-generation autonomous technology designed to optimize propulsion, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance operational stability on LNG carriers.

Developed by HD KSOE, HD HHI, and HD HMS, VesselWise integrates semi-autonomous functions across propulsion and auxiliary machinery in compliance with ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote-Control Functions.

“This AIP marks a significant step toward fully autonomous vessels,” said Joshua Divin, ABS Senior VP, Marine Business Development. “It contributes to safer, more efficient operations.”

VesselWise leverages real-time data from key systems, including air lubrication, wind propulsion, and generator engines, to maximize performance and fuel efficiency. Byounghun Kwon, HD Hyundai EVP, said the technology will undergo real-ship demonstrations in 2026, advancing toward fully autonomous, crew-free operations.