HD Hyundai Samho, Avikus, and ClassNK have signed an MOU at Gastech 2026 to launch a joint development project integrating Avikus’s “HINAS Control” autonomous navigation system into an 180K LNG carrier design. Operating in alignment with the IMO’s newly active MASS Code and ClassNK guidelines, the collaboration aims to assess technical feasibility and secure classification notations. This strategic partnership seeks to advance safety standards and accelerate the commercial rollout of autonomous vessels across the global maritime industry.
Bangkok, Thailand | September 16, 2026 – Marking a major stride toward autonomous shipping, HD Hyundai Samho, autonomous tech pioneer Avikus, and leading classification society ClassNK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a joint development project (JDP) to verify ship designs equipped with advanced autonomous navigation systems.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, hosted at the ClassNK exhibition booth.
The collaboration arrives hot on the heels of major international milestones: the non-mandatory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code) entered into force on July 1, 2026, creating an urgent need for practical regulatory compliance and technical validation in real-world ship design.
Verifying ‘HINAS Control’ for Real-World Vessels
The project centers on assessing the technical feasibility of applying Avikus’s flagship “HINAS Control” autonomous navigation solution to an actual vessel under construction, specifically, an 180K LNG carrier.
The partners will conduct rigorous technical studies and verifications using ClassNK’s specialized Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of Ships, aiming to secure formal design approval and classification notations.
- HD Hyundai Samho: Spearheads the basic vessel engineering, tailoring ship design to integrate notation requirements specified in the ClassNK guidelines.
- Avikus: Supplies the HINAS Control system, delivering vital technical expertise on algorithms and system integration.
- ClassNK: Conducts comprehensive design reviews and rule-based assessments toward granting official notation status.
Executive Insights
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Hak-Mu Shim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Design Division at HD Hyundai Samho, noted:
“This MOU marks an important first step toward securing advanced autonomous navigation technology by proactively obtaining Approval in Principle for compliance with classification notation requirements. By combining ClassNK’s regulatory expertise, Avikus’s cutting-edge autonomous technology, and HD Hyundai Samho’s shipbuilding capabilities, we look forward to providing safer and more innovative autonomous vessel solutions to our customers.”
ClassNK President & CEO Mr. Hayato Suga emphasized the timeliness of the trilateral initiative:
“At a time when international technical standards for autonomous ships are rapidly evolving, trilateral collaboration among a shipbuilder, an autonomous navigation solution provider, and a classification society is highly significant. Through this project, we will contribute to the safe implementation of autonomous ships in society.”
Echoing the commercial and safety ambitions of the project, Mr. Do-Hyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus, added:
“We are pleased to pursue the verification of our HINAS Control technology in collaboration with a world-leading shipyard and classification society. HINAS Control has already been adopted as a standard solution for vessels within the HD Hyundai Group… This JDP will serve as an important opportunity to objectively verify the safety and reliability of the technology against classification standards.”
The Road Ahead
As autonomous technology transitions from conceptual trials to standardized commercial implementation, partnerships bridging shipbuilders, tech developers, and class societies are proving critical. By embedding autonomous architecture directly into next-generation gas carrier design, the partners aim to accelerate the safe, reliable realization of autonomous maritime operations globally.
About Avikus
Founded in January 2021 by Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, Avikus is a pioneering start-up specializing in cutting-edge autonomous navigation solutions for the maritime industry. Drawing its name from the Viking term AVVIKER, the company successfully commercialized the world’s first deep-learning-based navigation assistant system in 2020 and supplies systems across the HHI Group fleet. By combining sensor convergence, artificial intelligence-based cognitive technologies, such as radar, AIS, vision, and lidar, with advanced ship dynamics control, Avikus aims to lead the global market in autonomous vessel technology.
About ClassNK
Established in 1899, ClassNK is a classification society dedicated to safety and environmental protection through third-party certification. ClassNK conducts diverse technical services, including surveys and classifications of ships and marine structures based on its own rules and international conventions on behalf of more than 100 flag states, as well as management system certifications in line with ISO and other industry standards. ClassNK is committed to providing the industry with full support to tackle digitalization and decarbonization challenges through expanding certification services and R&D with industry partners.
Source: ClassNK | Avikus