Over 100 from shipping, ship management sectors attend
8 companies present AX technologies for maritime industry
The Busan branch of the Korea Shipowners' Association held a maritime AI transformation (AX) strategy technology forum at the Busan Trade Center on Wednesday, the association announced Monday.
The event drew more than 100 participants from shipping companies and ship management firms, along with officials from the Japanese Consulate General in Busan and Busan Metropolitan City.
The forum opened with a presentation on maritime AX strategy by Kim Se-hyeon, head of the association's Busan branch, followed by eight companies — including Marineworks and HD Hyundai Marine Solution — presenting AX technologies covering optimal routing, smart documentation, predictive maintenance and onboard accident prevention, and discussing avenues for technology cooperation with shipping firms.
Kim Seong-ik, chief executive of SK Shipping, who attended the event, said it would not be an overstatement to say that the competitiveness of Korea's shipping industry starts in Busan. "The association's Busan branch has timely identified AX as a core challenge and is doing a fine job of guiding shipping companies," he said, urging the association to press ahead with efforts to boost competitiveness — "even if it means gaining just one dollar's edge."
Nam Jae-il, chief executive of ship management firm HMM Ocean Service, said the industry's focus has shifted rapidly from eco-friendly and digital transformation to AX, but ship management companies had until now been forced to address AX individually on their own. "This forum gave the industry a chance to collectively confirm the direction maritime AX should take — from preventing maritime accidents to improving productivity — and that made it a truly meaningful occasion," he said.
Yang Seong-a, chief executive of Chokwang Paint, which participated as a presenting company, expressed gratitude to the Korea Shipowners' Association for organizing the event. "It is not easy to bring technology developers and the shipping companies that actually apply those technologies together in one place," Yang said, adding that if such a platform for communication continues, it will help accelerate the commercialization of AX technology in Korea's maritime sector.
A Korea Shipowners' Association Busan branch official said the association would spare no effort in supporting the successful AI transformation and competitiveness of Korean-flagged carriers, starting with this forum and regularizing related events going forward.
The Korea Shipowners' Association represents the interests of Korean ocean-going carriers and works to support the sound development of the shipping industry and strengthen its international competitiveness. Major carriers currently participating in association activities include HMM, Pan Ocean, Korea Line, SK Shipping and Hyundai Glovis.
eyre@heraldcorp.com
