The South Korean government has officially launched an artificial intelligence (AI) data platform initiative aimed at strengthening core capabilities for autonomous ships.

With broad participation from the shipbuilding, shipping, and AI industries, the project is establishing a system for the joint collection and use of real-world operational data, laying the foundation for the country’s entry into the global autonomous shipping market. On 7 May, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries held a launch ceremony for the “Autonomous Ship AI Data Platform Project”.

As explained, the initiative focuses on systematically collecting and standardising operational data essential for autonomous vessel operations, creating a robust dataset for AI training and development.

The project will run from 2026 to 2029 with a total budget of 34.66 billion won, including 30 billion won in government funding and 4.66 billion won in private investment. The Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) will oversee implementation. Key components include the collection of training data, development of a data platform, and creation and application of AI models.

The competitiveness of autonomous ships created by Korea’s shipbuilding industry will ultimately be determined by the quality of data. We will actively encourage companies to share and combine their data to create the world’s best data bank.

…said Park Dong-il, Policy Chief at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Since December last year, the government has been operating the autonomous ship division of the “M.AX Alliance,” gathering input from across the shipbuilding, shipping, and IT sectors. 

The Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO), which is responsible for execution, plans to collect approximately 100 types of data across eight key areas:

autonomous operation systems
navigation and steering
engine and machinery
remote control and digital twin systems
communications and data
maritime traffic
meteorology
and safety and security.

Furthermore, the government intends to develop the resulting dataset into an open resource accessible not only to large shipbuilders but also to small and medium-sized shipyards.

In parallel, it plans to align the initiative with the “AI Fully Autonomous Ship Technology Development Project,” scheduled to begin this year with a budget of up to 600 billion won, supporting demonstrations, commercialisation, and contributions to international standard-setting.

In addition, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries are expected to jointly release the first Basic Plan for the Promotion of Autonomous Ship Development and Commercialisation within the first half of the year.

The plan will outline strategies covering technology development, industry expansion, infrastructure, workforce training, and international standard leadership.

Autonomous ships are at the center of industrial changes such as decarbonization and digitalization. The operational data accumulated through this project will become one of the most important tools for responding to international standards.

…stated Kim Hyejeong, Director General for Shipping and Logistics at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.