Ships have to get smarter in order to be more efficient, less polluting and safer to run. State-of-the-art technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Internet of things (IOT), Hybrid Electric Propulsion, and ultimately autonomous or unmanned ships, are all progressing towards the ultimate goal of decarbonization.

‘Ulsan Taehwa’ is one such ship which is built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the purpose of being a technology demonstration vessel, and a platform for testing new equipment, as well as for training. She has dual fuel propulsion of LNG and MDO, as well as electric propulsion. She can thus be operated in pure electric mode, pure diesel or LNG mode, or hybrid electric mode. During sea trials, the vessel reduced carbon emissions by 40 percent as compared to conventional diesel propelled vessels.

There was a technology demonstration recently held onboard the Ulsan Taehwa at Ulsan. About 30 worldwide shipowner representatives were invited to the event hosted by the Ulsan city government. Capt Sanjiv Wagh, CEO Zetnor International, was invited as a speaker to the event and a representative of the Indian Maritime Industry. Capt. Wagh made a presentation which described the Indian Maritime Industry and the possibilities of co-operation between the maritime industries of South Korea and India. The Chief Guest at the event was the Deputy Mayor of Ulsan city.

The event was hosted by the top management of HHI, Ulsan ICT Promotion Agency (UIPA) and KOMERI which is the largest Maritime research organisation in the world. The exclusive gathering also consisted of high-level vendors of HHI who have high technology products in their portfolio. After the presentations, there was a tour of the ship including the engine room to view the advanced propulsion and control system, with the testing facility and monitoring controls. The excellent occasion concluded with a networking session and a cruise aboard the lovely ship.

The vessel has a length of 89.1 m, breadth 12.8 m, Max draft 3.3 m, and a top speed of 16 knots. She has a capacity of 300 passengers and will be operated as a demonstration vessel and tourism ship from Ulsan along the coast of Korea. She boasts of the latest technology in control and automation as well as data security systems. In addition to the hybrid power plant, the vessel also employs a variety of other smart technologies. The technology allows the power generation to be adjusted in 1/1000 of a second, which according to HHI is about 100 times faster than existing engines. Among the other smart ship functions is a maintenance operation that self-diagnoses the operating equipment.

India has great ambitions for her port development, shipyards and shipping industries. There are many opportunities for collaboration between India and South Korea in terms of technology transfers, investments, joint ventures and port/offshore constructions. Also, our ships need to upgrade technologies in order to comply with the latest EEXI and CII regulations. It is time for us to seize the opportunity and take a quantum leap in this vital infrastructure industry.

Marex Media