KRISO Accelerates Construction of Korea’s First Offshore Unmanned System Testbed Infrastructure in Saemangeum, Leading the Future of Ocean Industries.▶Public, Private, and Military Sectors Collaborate to Build Korea’s First Offshore Unmanned System Testbed Infrastructure ▶Completed the drafting of test evaluation procedures for offshore unmanned systems and detailed design of the offshore testing facilities □ The Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (President KeyYong Hong, KRISO) announced its full-fledged engagement in the construction of Korea’s first offshore unmanned systems demonstration infrastructure in the Saemangeum district as part of the Offshore Unmanned Systems Demonstration and Evaluation Technology Development Project. □ With recent growth in global demand for unmanned offshore systems, supported by the development of marine resources, growth of the offshore unmanned mobility market, and unmanned automation of the naval forces, the need for objective testing, evaluation, and certification is also increasing. However, Korea currently lacks the demonstration testbed infrastructure to carry out safety and effectiveness validations of such systems within the country. □ To address this issue, KRISO is currently engaged in the Offshore Unmanned Systems Demonstration and Evaluation Technology Development Project, with the support of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Gyeongsangbuk-do province, Pohang City, Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province, and Gunsan City. The project aims to develop the testing and evaluation technologies for unmanned offshore systems and to build the testbed facilities to establish a publicly certified testing and evaluation framework and provide a one-stop certification service. In particular, the project includes the development of a performance verification system based on coastal demonstration testing facilities and technological support for companies via an open-lab platform. □ In collaboration with the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), KRISO established a technology validation framework by developing 10 testing and evaluation procedures for unmanned ocean surface vehicles, underwater robots, and unit modules during its second year of the research project. Based on these testing and evaluation procedures, detailed testbed facility designs were developed for the coastal waters of Saemangeum and offshore areas near Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. □ KRISO also established a public-private-military collaborative body together with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, the Navy, Korea Coast Guard, private companies, research institutions, and local governments, where technologies for testing unmanned surface vessels and underwater robots were prioritized with the testing and evaluation methods agreed, ensuring credibility and objectivity in the process. □ By 2026, KRISO aims to complete the construction of an integrated testing and evaluation control center for unmanned systems as well as berthing facilities in the Saemangeum region. Once complete, pilot operations will enable systematic verification and performance improvement of offshore unmanned systems, solidifying the foundation for commercialization. □ “The Saemangeum coastal testbed will serve as a launchpad for the development and commercialization of future unmanned offshore systems. Through the development of cutting-edge technologies, including deep learning-based target detection and identification, obstacle avoidance, swarm operation technologies, and performance validations, we aim to enhance the global competitiveness of Korea’s marine sector,“ said Kim Ki-Hoon, a principal researcher for KRISO’s Ocean and Maritime Digital Technology Research Division.

KRISO Successfully Concludes the Third GloFouling R&D Forum and Exhibition on Biofouling Prevention and Management for Maritime Industries▶ A Global Platform for Collaborative Discussions on Biofouling Management Technologies and Agreements □ The Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (President KeyYong Hong, KRISO) announced the successful conclusion of the 3rd GloFouling R&D Forum and Exhibition on Biofouling Prevention and Management for Maritime Industries. The forum, co-hosted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, took place from November 4 to 8 at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Busan. □ This year’s forum marks the final event of the GloFouling Partnership program, one of 12 international cooperation initiatives led by the IMO. This year’s event was hosted in Busan, Korea, following its previous series in Australia (2019) and London (2022). ◦ The GloFouling Partnership is an international collaboration program aimed at addressing the ecological disruptions caused by the spread of biofouling species on ships and marine structures, fostering global collaboration in forming technological solutions and policy frameworks. □ The 3rd GloFouling R&D Forum and Exhibition on Biofouling Prevention and Management for Maritime Industries gathered approximately 250 marine environment experts and stakeholders from 56 nations, holding 12 sessions under the theme, “The Future of Biofouling Management Systems.” Participants discussed the necessity of international agreements and their execution plans, as well as emerging technologies and policies to reduce the environmental and economic impacts of biofouling. Around 50 experts delivered presentations and engaged in in-depth discussions on effective strategies to manage biofouling. □ In particular, a Korea-special session on November 5 spotlighted local technology advancements and future outlook in biofouling management. KRISO Principal Researcher Lee Pan-mook presented the current research state of KRISO’s biofouling management technology, explaining that innovative technologies such as an autonomous cleaning system using a robotic arm underwater and a deep learning-based automatic hull fouling classification technology, can contribute to reducing hull maintenance costs and protection of marine ecosystems. □ Throughout the forum, an exhibition showcased biofouling treatment technologies of Korea and other major countries. Participants had the opportunity to visit the Korean underwater cleaning robot provider, research institutions, and shipyards to gain hands-on experience. As such, the forum provided a platform for sharing the latest technologies and their real-life applications around the world while exploring opportunities for global cooperation. □ “We hope this forum has heightened international interest and awareness in biofouling management, which would further promote collaboration,” said KRISO President Hong Key Yong. “We also hope for a timely establishment of an international agreement that could contribute to the protection of our marine ecosystems and the sustainable development of the maritime industry.”

KRISO Launches Renewable Energy-Based Coastal Passenger Ship Efficiency Improvement Project▶ KRISO held a commencement report meeting for the performance verification platform of renewable energy-based propulsion assistance systems▶ KRISO will take the lead in improving the eco-friendliness of the shipping industry through various renewable energy systems such as magnetic bearing-based rotor sails▶ KRISO showcased key technologies such as a 100 kW hydrogen fuel cell independently developed in Korea □ The Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO, President Keyyong Hong) announced that it held the ‘Steel Cutting Ceremony for Renewable Energy Demonstration Platform and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Demonstration’ in Yeongam, Jeonnam on November 7. □ The recently commenced 'Renewable Energy Demonstration Platform' is part of a research program to develop technologies to increase the energy efficiency of coastal ships by utilizing renewable energy. It is a demonstration ship that can test and verify various renewable energy technologies for small and medium-sized coastal passenger ships in an actual ship operating environment. □ In order to achieve marine carbon neutrality, KRISO is developing various renewable energy-based technologies specialized for coastal passenger ships, including: △ magnetic bearing-based rotor sails, △ customized wind power auxiliary prototype systems (wing sails, kites, etc.), △ other power generation auxiliary systems that can supply power when ships are at anchor (solar panels, hybrid small wind turbines), and △ 100 kW hydrogen fuel cells developed solely with Korean technologies, in cooperation with local companies and universities. □ In particular, the magnetic bearing-based rotor sail is the world's first technology for significantly improving the stability of ship operation and the durability of propulsion auxiliary prototype systems by overcoming the problems of the existing mechanical bearing method, such as wear, vibration, and noise, by using the principle of magnetic levitation. It is drawing considerable attention as the technology development process is being shared with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and relevant patents have been registered in Korea and Japan. The performance evaluation of this technology is scheduled to be completed by 2026. □ In addition, a 100 kW hydrogen fuel cell to be applied to the verification platform was also demonstrated at this event. The hydrogen fuel cell (PEM)* has been developed by a local company in Korea, and local small and medium-sized enterprises, KRISO, Classification societies, and the government are working together to promote localization and commercialization of the technology, and it is thus considered a technology that can dominate and lead the new eco-friendly ship market in the future. * PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) □ The demonstration platform, which will begin to be subjected to full-scale construction through this commencement report meeting, is scheduled to be completed in 2025 after undergoing hull T/O and classification hull inspection. Thereafter, it is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the eco-friendliness of coastal passenger ships by demonstrating various renewable energy-based propulsion auxiliary technologies in the region of Mokpo, Jeonnam. □ Kang Hee-jin, the head of KRISO’s Eco-friendly Ocean Development Research Division, who oversees the R&D, said, “The demonstration platform is essential for the development of future eco-friendly ship propulsion technologies using renewable energy and for the standardization of technologies through international joint research.” Kang added, “We will do our best to ensure that the process of realizing carbon neutrality for coastal passenger ships can lead to the development of cutting-edge eco-friendly technologies by local companies and their entry into the global market.” □ With the support of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and the municipal governments of Jeonnam and Mokpo, KRISO has been developing various technologies utilizing renewable energy in order to improve the efficiency of coastal ships since 2022. Through this, KRISO plans to do its best to strengthen the international competitiveness of Korea’s shipping industry and achieve the goal of marine carbon neutrality.

KRISO holds a hull magnetic field communication technology testbed demonstration▶ Waves of innovation heralded with a demonstration of magnetic field communication technology, the key to autonomous ships □ The Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO; president: KeyYong Hong) successfully held a hull magnetic field communication technology testbed demonstration on November 7 at Namhang (South Port) in Busan. Through this, it verified and confirmed the possibility of a new vessel wireless communication technology. □ Hull magnetic field communication technology, a method where data are transmitted through magnetic fields on metal surfaces instead of radio waves, is an innovative technology that makes communication possible even in environments in vessels, where radio waves are blocked by metal structures, making wireless communication difficult. □ In particular, this technology is expected to be established as a key technology for autonomous control and unmanned vessels, efficiently collecting diverse sensor data inside vessels and being indispensable to stable communication even in environments with numerous bulkheads. □ For this demonstration, a hull magnetic field communication network (five magnetic field communication terminals) covering the entire vessel from the bow to the engine room was constructed in a 300-ton passenger ship. Through various experiments, the excellence and usability of hull magnetic field communication technology were proven by confirming stable data transmission speeds and communication quality including closed-circuit television (CCTV) video and data delay rates and packet loss rates. □ Starting with this demonstration, KRISO is scheduled to step up efforts for application to other maritime fields in addition to accumulating data to optimize the realization of hull magnetic field communication-based wireless environments in vessels through testbed operation interlocked with diverse Internet of things (IoT) sensors by 2025. □ Woo-Seong Shim, the head of the KRISO’s Maritime Digital Application (MDA) Unit, said, “Through testbed operation, we confirmed the possibility of stable communication in vessels made of metal structures with a magnetic field transmission method that uses metal surfaces instead of radio waves,” stating, “Through follow-up projects, we plan to implement internationalization and commercialization actively for application to state-of-the-art maritime mobility such as autonomous ships.” □ Meanwhile, hull magnetic field communication technology has been acknowledged for its excellence and innovation, obtaining New Excellent Technology (NET) certification in oceans and fisheries and being fully reviewed and acknowledged as a new emerging technology by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) in 2023.

KRISO Launches World’s First Eco-Friendly Alternative Fuel Offshore Test Ship▶ Launch of MW-Class Test Ship for Research and Demonstration of Core Eco-Friendly Ship Technologies▶ Substantial Reduction in Cost and Time for Implementing Eco-Friendly Fuel Technology Compared to European Test Ships▶ Received Certificate of New Excellent Technology (NET) for Ocean Carbon Neutrality □ The Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO, led by President KeyYong Hong) launched the world’s first Eco-Friendly Alternative Fuel Offshore Test Ship on October 31 at Hankook Made Co., Ltd. (CEO Jonggeun Choi) in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province. □ Traditionally, implementing new eco-friendly fuel technologies on actual vessels requires rigorous safety and performance assessments, which demand separate test ships for each fuel propulsion system, incurring significant cost and time. □ K-GTB addresses this challenge by enabling simultaneous testing of a variety of eco-friendly equipment, including MW-class ship batteries, fuel cells, carbon-neutral fuels, dual-fuel engines (LNG-ammonia, LPG-ammonia, etc.), and electric/hybrid propulsion systems—all within a single test ship. This multifunctional approach significantly reduces the costs and time needed to apply these technologies. □ Funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the development of K-GTB began in 2022, with construction starting in 2023 and culminating in its launch on October 31, 2024. Following final assembly, including painting, equipment installation, and classification inspections, the ship is expected to commence trial operations in 2025. It will then operate from Mokpo’s southern port until 2050, supporting domestic innovation in core eco-friendly ship technologies and bolstering Korea’s shipping, shipbuilding, and equipment industries. □ Upon completion, K-GTB will facilitate domestic verification of eco-friendly fuel technology, safeguarding Korean innovations from overseas leakage and generating import-substitution effects by eliminating the need for overseas testing. □ Hee-jin Kang, Head of KRISO’s Eco-Friendly Ocean Development Research Division, said, “K-GTB was designed to address the immediate needs of Korea’s shipping and shipbuilding industries. In response to industry demand, we plan to actively pursue international cooperation and technology standardization to expand into the global market.” □ KRISO President Key Yong Hong emphasized the significance of K-GTB as “the world’s only ship capable of demonstrating MW-class eco-friendly ship technologies on a single testbed.” He added, “KRISO will continue to support early commercialization of ocean carbon neutrality technologies developed by Korean companies and ensure sustainable future competitiveness of Korea’s shipping, shipbuilding, and equipment industries.” □ Meanwhile, K-GTB received a Certificate of New Excellent Technology (NET) in 2023 and secured patents* this year in three countries—Korea, Japan, and the United States. This achievement establishes a foundation for leading future developments in carbon-neutral technology with domestic innovations. * A maritime testbed and testing method to test and evaluate batteries, fuel cells, carbon-neutral (dual-fuel) engines, and hybrid propulsion systems for eco-friendly ships, and ensure their operational performance

KRISO Participates in Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology Trade Fair 2024 in Hamburg, Germany (SMM 2024)▶ Showcasing excellence in shipbuilding and marine engineering, including autonomous surface ships and eco-friendly ships▶ Signing of MOU with Lloyd’s Register (LR) on autonomous surface ship technology development and demonstration □ The Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO), under the leadership of President Keyyong Hong, will participate in the Shipbuilding, Machinery, and Marine Technology Trade Fair 2024 (SMM 2024) in Hamburg, Germany, from September 3 to 6, 2024. □ SMM is the world's largest maritime equipment exhibition, attracting companies and institutions from the global maritime industry to explore the latest trends in marine technology and promote international technical exchange. □ At this event, KRISO will showcase its advanced capabilities in cutting-edge maritime mobility sectors, particularly autonomous surface ships and eco-friendly ship technologies, reflecting the industry's shift toward carbon neutrality and digitalization. □ KRISO will showcase a range of research achievements, including △ land and sea testbeds for autonomous surface ships, △ core technologies for autonomous surface ships, △ operational technologies for fully electrified car ferry and swappable power supply systems, △ marine testbeds for eco-friendly alternative fuels, and △ integrated navigation equipment testbeds. These exhibits will emphasize KRISO's technological expertise to the international community, further establishing its reputation as a global leader in shipbuilding and marine engineering. □ Highlights include the world’s first land and sea testbed for autonomous surface ship performance verification and the first 1MW-class marine testbed for eco-friendly alternative fuels. Both are designed to ensure the reliability and safety of green ship technologies. These advancements are expected to attract significant attention from exhibition attendees. □ On September 3, during SMM, KRISO will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lloyd’s Register (LR) to collaborate on the development and international standardization of operational technologies for autonomous surface ships. □ This agreement builds on the outcomes of the “Korea Autonomous Surface Ship (KASS) Project,” supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. It will promote cooperation in developing testing environments, demonstration procedures, and certification standards for autonomous surface ships, as well as in leading the creation of global standards aligned with the IMO MASS* Code. * MASS: Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship □ KRISO President Keyyong Hong commented, "Our participation in SMM 2024 is a crucial opportunity to showcase KRISO's current and future advancements in maritime mobility technologies on the global stage. KRISO remains committed to driving innovation through active research and development in this field.” □ SMM 2024 will take place from September 3 to 6 in Hamburg, Germany. KRISO's exhibition booth will be located within the No.135. OG on the second floor of Hall B2.

KRISO and Lloyd’s Register Collaborate to Respond to the International Regulations for Autonomous Ships□ The Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO, President Keyyong Hong) and Lloyd's Register (LR) have decided to collaborate to respond to the development of international regulations for autonomous ships.□ KRISO and LR held a two-day technology exchange meeting on technological development and verification of autonomous ships in London, UK, on May 9 and 10.□ The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is aiming at adopting a non-mandatory convention in 2024 and a mandatory convention in 2026 and enforcing the mandatory convention in 2028 for the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) Code, which is being developed from 2022 in pursuit of introducing autonomous ships and ensuring their operational safety.□ Accordingly, this technology exchange meeting was held to share the current status of technological development of both organizations and discuss future challenges and strategies. In particular, KRISO and LR agreed that for the commercialization of autonomous ships, technology verification and validation (V&V) to ensure safety and reliability is important along with technological development.□ The two organizations shared the same view that the MASS Code that is currently being discussed at IMO lacks definitions and methodological development for the V&V technologies and so relevant discussions are required before the non-mandatory agreement comes into effect. Therefore, they agreed to actively pursue technological cooperation to jointly develop highly effective V&V regulations and standards that can be used internationally.□ Countries leading the development of autonomous ship technology also recognize the urgency and importance of V&V-related discussions and are taking efforts to prepare alternatives. Since 2022, KRISO has conducted research and established infrastructure through the development of related procedures and standards and is now in the process of securing track records. These results can be applied to the V&V of the autonomous operation technologies that are actively developed by the companies and research institutes in Korea and other countries, thereby improving the impression of Korea’s shipbuilding industry and strengthening its competitiveness.□ Following these international cooperation activities, KRISO will participate in the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology Trade Fair (SMM 2024) to be held in Hamburg, Germany, September this year and introduce the status of Korea Autonomous Surface Ship (KASS) project and the research results related to the technological development.

KRISO acquires world’s first certification for autonomous ship performance verification system▶ KRISO obtains Digital Twin READY certification from Lloyd’s Register for simulation-based autonomous ship performance verification system▶ Tests conducted by Autonomous Ship Verification & Evaluation Research Center and test vessel expected to enhance reliability of industrial technology□ Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering(President, Keyyong Hong, hereinafter referred to as KRISO) announced on April 24 that it has obtained Digital Twin READY certification from Lloyd's Register(LR) for its autonomous ship performance verification technology based on virtual environments.□ Following the global trend in the development of autonomous ship technology, in 2020, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries launched a joint task force for the development of autonomous ship technology, and have been dedicated to creating a real-world foundation for the development and commercialization of autonomous ships through the Korea Autonomous Surface Ship Project (KASS Project).□ As part of such efforts, KRISO, supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has established the Autonomous Ship Verification & Evaluation Research Center, and is operating the autonomous test vessel called Haeyangnuri.□ Led by KRISO and developed in collaboration with SafeTechResearch and Xinnos, the now-certified Simulation-based Test for Autonomous Ships (S-TAS) and the Virtual Data Generation System (VDGS) have been installed at the Autonomous Ship Verification & Evaluation Research Center.□ LR's Digital Twin READY certification approves the suitability of digital twin-based technologies. Through assessments of the engineering, software development processes and development capabilities of S-TAS and VDGS, these systems have been officially recognized by LR as ready to verify the performance, safety, and reliability of various systems installed on autonomous ships.□ S-TAS is a system designed to simulate the real-world operating environment of ships and their machinery to verify the performance of systems installed on autonomous ships. It allows for the simulation of various test conditions that might occur at sea.□ In addition, VDGS eliminates constraints related to traffic conditions during sea trials by providing virtual maritime ships and obstacles as conditions for the target systems during actual offshore tests. This enables the simulation of numerous traffic scenarios and the testing of system performance. □ KRISO’s acquisition of the Digital Twin READY certification is significant because it demonstrates global leadership in not only advanced autonomous ship technology but also performance verification, which is seen as crucial for the safe operation of autonomous ships. □ KRISO plans to enhance the core technologies of autonomous ships by conducting performance demonstrations under complex conditions, including ports using S-TAS and VDGS. It also aims to continually support the domestic shipbuilding and maritime industry to ensure that Korean maintains its technological innovation and international competitiveness.

KRISO Takes the Lead in International Standardization of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion(OTEC)▶ KRISO provides a new project leader for IEC Marine Energy Technical Committee (TC114)▶ Leading the international standardization based on R&D experience in OTEC□ Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO, President Keyyong Hong) took the first step for the international standardization of the ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) in the International Electrotechnical Commission Marine Energy Technical Committee (IEC TC114).□ The IEC, founded in 1906, is an international standardization organization in the fields of electricity and electronics with 89 member countries. It establishes international standards with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The IEC TC114 was founded in 2007 for international standardization in the field of marine energy. □ As the new work item proposal (NP) “Electricity producing ocean thermal energy converters - Power performance assessment” proposed to the IEC TC114 by Dr. Jongbeom Seo of the KRISO Seawater Energy Plant Research Center in 2023 was adopted in March this year, Dr. Seo was appointed as the leader of the new project. □ Considering that countries such as the US, UK, and France are taking the lead in technical standards in the field of ocean energy, it is particularly significant that a Korean researcher was appointed the leader of the international standardization project, demonstrating the world-class status and competitiveness of Korea’s ocean energy technology.□ The standard proposal includes standards for test equipment; test procedures and methods; output performance calculation; report writing method, etc. that are required to evaluate the OTEC power generation performance. The first project team (PT 62600-21) meeting was held at the 2024 General Meeting to discuss the development of standard documents.□ The project team plans to complete standard development by 2026. When this standard proposal is approved as an international standard in the future, it is expected that an objective evaluation technique for the OTEC output performance will be established for the first time in the world, thereby accelerating commercialization of the technology along with systematic technology development.□ Dr. Jongbeom Seo of KRISO said, “We are pleased to promote KRISO’s excellence in marine energy technology at the IEC International Conference and demonstrate our leadership in the field of international standardization.” He added, “Based on our past R&D accomplishments in OTEC and research experience, including the real sea demonstration of the world’s largest 1 MW OTEC platform, we will strive to lead the international standards and lay the foundation for overseas expansion of Korea’s technologies.”□ Meanwhile, in addition to OTEC, KRISO is developing various marine energy technologies such as wave power generation, offshore wind power generation, and green hydrogen production and is also promoting marine energy technology performance evaluation focusing on the Jeju wave power plant real-sea test site.