HD KSOE secures LR approval for VesselWise autonomous machinery optimisation technology

VesselWise’s autonomous machinery optimisation function has achieved LR Approval in Principle, paving the way for onboard validation of AI-enabled technology that supports more efficient vessel operation.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for VesselWise’s ‘Autonomous Auxiliary Machinery Optimisation Function’, recognising the concept’s compliance with the SAFE, PERFORM and Security requirements of LR’s ShipRight Digital Ships framework.

The AiP was presented during Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.

Developed as a core application within HD KSOE’s Integrated Smartship Solution (ISS) platform, the autonomous machinery optimisation function is designed to enhance the operation of auxiliary machinery systems through automation and artificial intelligence.

As shipowners and operators increasingly seek to improve operational performance through digital technologies, the industry is moving beyond monitoring and advisory systems towards solutions capable of autonomously optimising onboard processes. VesselWise has been developed to support this transition, providing intelligent machinery management within a framework that prioritises safety, performance and cybersecurity.

Through the AiP process, LR assessed the concept against the SAFE, PERFORM and SECURITY requirements of its ShipRight Digital Ships framework. The approval provides independent validation of the technology’s technical basis and establishes a foundation for future testing and implementation activities. Future verification work is expected to include application onboard a 174,000 cbm LNG carrier.

Andy McKeran, Chief Growth Officer, Lloyd’s Register, said: “The next phase of maritime digitalisation is not simply about collecting more data, it’s about using that data to improve vessel performance.

“Through this Approval in Principle, we have assessed the concept against LR’s digital assurance requirements, providing confidence in its technical foundation as the industry explores new ways to improve efficiency, performance and operational decision-making through advanced digital capabilities.”

Bongjun Choi, Senior Vice President, Head of SDV Center, HD KSOE, said: “As vessels become increasingly complex, achieving optimal machinery operation through human decision-making alone is becoming more challenging.

“VesselWise is designed to address this challenge by combining intelligent optimisation with a safety-focused control framework. LR’s Approval in Principle marks an important milestone toward real-world deployment, and we will continue to validate the technology onboard to demonstrate its contribution to safer, more efficient and lower-carbon vessel operations.”

About Lloyd’s Register

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.

Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the defence, marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.

We also provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation.  Through OneOcean, LR delivers integrated digital solutions supporting voyage planning, optimisation, compliance, training and fleet performance across more than 30,000 vessels globally.

In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.

Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.

www.lr.org

About HD KSOE

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) is a global maritime technology and engineering leader, serving as the intermediate holding company for HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding businesses.

Today, we oversee the world’s most advanced shipbuilding enterprises—including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Samho—helping clients construct and operate highly innovative, safe, and efficient vessels.

As the central R&D hub driving HD Hyundai’s ‘Ocean Transformation’ vision, HD KSOE is at the forefront of the industry’s digital and sustainable shift. Our innovation spans the entire maritime value chain—from spearheading the digital transformation (DX) of smart shipyards to developing cutting-edge solutions like software-defined vessels (SDV) and AI-integrated platforms. Alongside these digital capabilities, in the race to zero emissions, our intensive research into zero-carbon vessels and alternative fuels is accelerating a safe and sustainable maritime energy transition.

HD KSOE is a pivotal entity of HD Hyundai, driving the group’s vision to pioneer the future of humanity through continuous innovation across the ocean.

For more information, go to www.hd.com