Samsung Heavy Industries Unveils Fully Autonomous Research Vessel "SHIFT-Auto"

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has revealed its cutting-edge, mission-based autonomous research vessel, the “SHIFT-Auto.” This vessel, designed with complete autonomy, was launched on November 21, 2024.

SHI CEO Choi Sung-an, officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE), and representatives from leading classification societies attended the event.

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.

The vessel is equipped with Samsung Electronics’ SmartThings IoT system, enabling real-time data collection and analysis to ensure smooth, reliable operation.

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’s advanced features in action, including automatic berthing and voice-activated control, which set it apart from other autonomous vessels.

The company plans to showcase mission-based operations with the vessel, demonstrating its ability to navigate, dock, and moor, all without any crew on board.

The SHIFT-Auto launch builds on SHI’s 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’s training ship “Segero” sailed 2,800 km along the Philippine route.

These trials showed that autonomous navigation technology is ready for real-world use.

The government has created a “regulatory sandbox” 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.

MOTIE has pledged continued support for these trials to help shape the future of autonomous shipping.

Other South Korean shipbuilders, including Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, are also conducting autonomous vessel demonstrations.

Reference: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE)

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