South Korean shipping company Pan Ocean, part of the Harim Group, has announced the launch of the first autonomous navigation container ship, set to service routes between China, Vietnam, and Thailand. According to the announcement made in March 2024, starting April 6, the Pos Singapore, with a capacity of 1,800 TEU, will begin its journey on the route between China, Vietnam, and Singapore, taking over from the Pos Ho Chi Minh City. The South Korean Ministry of Oceans has selected the Pos Singapore for the development of autonomous navigation technologies.
The vessel will cover the rotation from Incheon to Qingdao, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Laem Chabang, Shekou, and back to Incheon. While likely still manned with a crew initially, Pan Ocean's CEO, Ahn Joong-ho, has stated that the ship's navigation systems are equipped with artificial intelligence, Internet of Things technology, and big data management capabilities. This equipment enables it to navigate with IMO level 3 autonomy, which theoretically allows for unmanned navigation with remote control. The first trials of this technology are scheduled for September 2024.
The Pos Singapore, measuring 172 meters in length, was launched on March 8, 2024, at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, under the Liberian flag. It is currently being fitted with autonomous navigation systems. The ship is part of the South Korean government's autonomous navigation development program announced in 2020, which committed $120 million to research. Since that year, several trials have been conducted, including those involving the small 69-ton cargo ship Ocean Nuri.
