KR and HD Hyundai Samho ink MOU to co-develop AI-driven ship design tools. Image credit: KR.
KR and HD Hyundai Samho to Co‑Develop AI Ship Design and Analysis Tools Under New MOU
On June 17, 2025, Korean Register (KR) formalised an agreement with HD Hyundai Samho by signing a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop artificial intelligence‑powered solutions for ship design and structural analysis. This collaboration advances both organisations’ digital transformation agendas, aiming to enhance productivity, accuracy, and safety across ship design processes.
A key component of the agreement is the development of an AI‑based optimisation and structural assessment system for hull support. This tool will automate the placement and real‑time structural evaluation of hull supports, delivering simulated results under a wide range of input scenarios via an intuitive user interface.
The second component focuses on the implementation of an on‑premise generative AI verification platform based on a large language model. Designed to operate securely within shipyard networks, this platform will consolidate shipbuilding knowledge and streamline workflows across multiple departments, meeting stringent cybersecurity standards and enhancing internal expertise.
Executives from both organisations regard this initiative as foundational to the broader adoption of AI across future shipbuilding processes. The technologies under development are expected to expand into diverse areas of naval architecture, including lifecycle analysis and crew assistance systems.
This partnership reinforces HD Hyundai Samho’s well‑established digitalisation efforts. The shipyard is progressing towards a fully automated “smart shipyard” by 2030, already utilising 54 collaborative welding robots to boost quality and productivity by an estimated 30 percent.
Importantly, KR and HD Hyundai Samho emphasise that both AI systems will be deployed within secure, on‑premise environments. This approach aligns with shipyard security protocols and ensures proprietary data remains safe while enabling smooth collaboration between design, engineering, and production teams.
Together, the companies anticipate that the AI‑driven tools will reduce engineering cycle times, improve structural integrity assessments, and support consistent high‑quality designs. Preparations are already underway for pilot testing later this year, with plans to scale across HD Hyundai’s shipyards following successful trials.
This collaboration positions KR and HD Hyundai Samho at the forefront of maritime digital transformation. By combining AI‑powered hull support optimisation with secure generative design verification, they are laying the groundwork for safer, smarter, and more efficient shipbuilding in the years ahead.
