HD KSOE secures LR approval for VesselWise autonomous machinery optimisation technology

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has secured Lloyd's Register (LR) approval for its VesselWise autonomous machinery optimisation technology, bringing it a step closer to onboard validation. The AI-enabled function, designed to enhance vessel operation efficiency, has achieved Approval in Principle (AiP) after being assessed against LR's SAFE, PERFORM and Security requirements of the ShipRight Digital Ships framework.

Presented at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, the AiP signifies recognition of VesselWise's compliance with LR's stringent digital assurance standards. Developed as a core application within HD KSOE's Integrated Smartship Solution (ISS) platform, the autonomous machinery optimisation function leverages automation and artificial intelligence to streamline auxiliary machinery systems.

As the maritime industry increasingly embraces digital technologies to optimize performance, shipowners and operators are transitioning from monitoring and advisory systems to solutions capable of autonomously optimizing onboard processes. VesselWise caters to this shift, offering intelligent machinery management within a framework that prioritizes safety, performance, and cybersecurity.

LR's Chief Growth Officer, Andy McKeran, emphasized that the next phase of maritime digitalisation involves using collected data to enhance vessel performance. Through this Approval in Principle, LR has assessed the technical basis of the technology, establishing a foundation for future onboard testing and implementation.

Bongjun Choi, Senior Vice President and Head of the SDV Center at HD KSOE, highlighted the growing complexity of vessels and the challenges of achieving optimal machinery operation through human decision-making alone. VesselWise, with its intelligent optimisation capabilities and safety-focused control framework, addresses this challenge.

LR's Approval in Principle represents a crucial milestone towards real-world deployment, and the company will continue validating the technology onboard to showcase its contribution to safer, more efficient, and lower-carbon vessel operations.