The South Korean government is taking steps to secure key technologies for fully unmanned autonomous ships in a bid to achieve the top position in the global autonomous shipping market. Additionally, it aims to enhance port productivity and accelerate the automation of the fishing industry through an AI transition in the marine and fisheries sector.
On October 28, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced its 'Marine and Fisheries AI Transition (AX) Strategy' during a joint meeting of the Economic and Science and Technology Ministers.
This strategy consists of five major initiatives and 15 key projects focused on AI innovation in shipping, maritime affairs, ports, logistics, fisheries, and the marine sector, along with the establishment of an AX ecosystem to support these efforts.
The global market for autonomous ships is projected to reach $200 billion by 2035. To secure the top position in the fully autonomous ship market by that year, the government plans to develop core technologies for fully unmanned (Level 4) autonomous ships by 2032, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The strategy includes verifying safety and reliability in actual domestic and international waters to lead the global market.
In the maritime safety sector, the government aims to expand the use of AI to reduce fatalities from maritime accidents by 30% by 2030. This will involve analyzing real-time navigation and sea area information to provide essential safety data for vessels and support risk assessment and response for smaller ships.
To boost port productivity by 30% by 2035, the strategy includes utilizing physical AI. By 2039, an automated port testbed will be established at Gwangyang Port, where new technologies for container handling and transportation automation will be proactively introduced and tested.
Furthermore, an agentic AI platform will be developed to enhance port operations and safety management, allowing AI to analyze work conditions and optimize operations through coordination between unloading and transportation equipment.
To drive AI innovation in the fishing industry, the government plans to expand smart aquaculture nationwide. AI-based aquaculture technologies will be developed and disseminated, particularly in leading innovation districts, with a goal of increasing the current 3.7% penetration rate of smart aquaculture facilities to 10% by 2030.
Additionally, the management system for fishery resources and catch volumes will be transitioned to a data and AI-centric approach. Automation technologies based on physical AI will be developed for seafood processing to enhance productivity and added value.
AI will also be introduced to detect anomalies in marine activities, establishing an advanced monitoring and response system. The quality of marine data will be improved to analyze and predict changes in marine environments and ecosystems due to climate change and marine development. This information will be utilized in formulating climate change response plans and enhancing policy management capabilities.
Finally, the government aims to strengthen the foundation for AI innovation across the marine and fisheries sectors to ensure widespread adoption. Marine and fisheries data will be organized in a manner suitable for AI learning and utilization, with clear standards and responsibilities for data use.
Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo stated, "We will actively target the global market with competitive technologies such as autonomous ships and significantly enhance the productivity and efficiency of maritime logistics through physical AI ports. We will support our marine and fisheries industry not only to keep pace with changes in the AI era but also to lead global innovation."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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