Avikus, a global leader in autonomous navigation and a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, has partnered with maritime technology specialist ZeroNorth to develop and deliver a groundbreaking solution that merges advanced autonomous navigation with real-time voyage optimisation — a first-of-its-kind integration aimed at reshaping modern shipping.
Oslo, Norway – 4 June 2025 – In a groundbreaking development poised to reshape the future of maritime navigation and optimisation, Avikus, a global leader in autonomous navigation and a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, has announced a strategic partnership with maritime technology powerhouse ZeroNorth. The collaboration is set to deliver a pioneering solution that merges autonomous navigation with real-time voyage optimisation – a first in the shipping industry.
Transforming the Shipping Landscape Amidst Rising Pressures
The maritime industry is under mounting pressure to operate with greater efficiency, enhance safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and manage increasingly complex logistics at sea and ashore. Responding to these challenges, the partnership between Avikus and ZeroNorth offers a compelling vision for the next generation of smart shipping.
The joint solution combines Avikus’ Level 2 autonomous navigation system with ZeroNorth’s advanced voyage and vessel optimisation platform, bringing together automation and real-time operational intelligence. The integrated system will automatically adjust vessel speed and routing based on dynamic data inputs such as weather patterns, fuel consumption metrics, and navigational parameters. This capability enables vessels to make intelligent, real-time decisions that simultaneously improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance onboard and shoreside safety.
Enhanced Ship-to-Shore Decision Making
This innovative solution is designed not only for newbuilds but also for retrofit applications, making it accessible to a wide range of operators. A key feature is its advanced ship-to-shore connectivity, which provides real-time data visibility and decision-making support for both onboard crews and onshore management teams. This level of integration and transparency represents a step-change in maritime operational standards.
Avikus brings substantial experience to the table, having installed its autonomous navigation assistance systems on over 350 vessels worldwide. Meanwhile, ZeroNorth’s digital optimisation platform, already used on more than 5,500 ships, has become a cornerstone in the global shift toward data-driven shipping.
Leaders Voice Strong Commitment
The agreement was formally signed during Nor-Shipping 2025 by Dohyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus, and Søren C. Meyer, CEO of ZeroNorth. As the next phase of this strategic alliance, a pilot project featuring the integrated system will soon be launched, signaling the partners’ move from planning to real-world application.
Speaking on the collaboration, Dohyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus stated “This landmark partnership between two global leaders – one in maritime technology and the other in shipbuilding – marks a pivotal step in the evolution of maritime autonomy. By combining our strengths in optimal voyage planning and autonomous navigation, we are extending the reach of AI revolution from land to sea. We believe this collaboration will serve as a catalyst for reshaping the industry, setting new standards for both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.”
Søren C. Meyer, CEO of ZeroNorth added “Maritime autonomy represents the next frontier for our industry – much like autonomous driving is transforming mobility on land. By partnering with Avikus, a leader in maritime autonomy, we combine autonomous navigation technology with our optimisation and data expertise. This partnership can close the gap between the optimal voyage plans that digital tools can create and the real-world execution on board – improving both safety and efficiency.”
About Avikus
Avikus, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, is focused on revolutionising maritime navigation with AI-based technologies, including obstacle detection, collision avoidance, and automated docking. Its innovations are aimed at making maritime transport safer, more efficient, and more accessible.
About ZeroNorth
ZeroNorth, founded in 2020, has rapidly become a global force in maritime technology with 600 employees across 10 countries. In 2024 alone, it optimised 720,000 voyage legs, generated 1.5 million voyage plans, and helped its clients reduce over one million metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Its platform connects the entire shipping value chain — from vessel owners and charterers to bunker suppliers — turning real-time data into actionable insights for operational and environmental performance.
Source ZeroNorth