KR Webzine Vol.107

1. Overview

KR has constantly endeavored to apply advanced ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) technologies to the maritime and ship classification industries. As we can see from the match between artificial intelligence, for example AlphaGo and Lee Se-dol in 2016, ICT technology has developed tremendously over the past twenty years. Big data, IoT (Internet of the Things) and Cloud Computing are now regarded as key technologies. But unfortunately, applying advanced onshore technologies to the offshore maritime sector has been difficult. This is because of the poor communication environment at sea and the unique attributes of ships. What is altering the situation is the wish from the shipbuilding and marine transport industries to change. For them - sailing efficiently, overcoming recession and finding ways to apply advanced technologies - have become vital challenges to ensure their competitiveness in shipbuilding. Therefore, on 1st of November 2016, KR launched its new Maritime ICT Center as a technology leader for the maritime industry.

2. Task introduction

The focus of the Maritime ICT Center covers four advanced technology areas in the maritime industry. These include; maritime big data, e-Navigation, ship cyber security and software quality assurance.

(1) Maritime big data        

Big data technology enables us to use data obtained from a variety of channels and use it to suggest solutions to problems which could not be solved using existing methods. Artificial intelligence such as the computer program AlphaGo, which won over the human player is a typical example of the use of big data technology.

The maritime industry has various aspects that need the application of big data technology. Shippers are looking to make their services more economic using accumulated data. Services can be tailored to provide a safe route in real time by using data analysis of accident cases, ocean characteristics, and CBM (Condition Based Monitoring & Maintenance) that analyses and triggers alarms in the case of device failure. In line with shipbuilding companies and equipment manufacturers, KR is developing maritime big data solutions to meet the requirements of our clients.

Key map of maritime big data center

(2) SMART-Navigation

The IMO (International Maritime Organization), an organization of the United Nations, seeks to reduce maritime accidents caused by human error through the adoption and implementation of e-Navigation. The IMO’s vision for e-Navigation is to merge advanced ICT technologies with existing navigation technologies and to build standardized, automated systems of ship navigation equipment.

To respond to this international requirement, the Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries established the SMART-Navigation project with a budget of 130 million USD from 2016 to 2020. It aims to enhance safety on the Korean coast, to create a new market and more efficient marine shipping. As a member of the SMART-Navigation project team, KR carries out the research and development of leading technologies for international maritime standards, and to develop e-Navigation standard technologies.

 

Key map of Korean e-Navigation

(3) Ship cyber security

The constant advance of ICT technologies has expanded the range of applicable techno

logy on ship, and has connected systems on ship with other systems on ship and onsho

re. Accordingly, ship cyber security is becoming a new paradigm.

While the innovative application of ICT technologies on ship improves safety, reliability, and the effectiveness of those systems, at the same time it makes the systems on ship more exposed to cyber terrors or threats. The risk of such a cyberattack is now attracting serious international attention since it has the potential to damage both the safety of the ship and human life.

Responding to this, the IMO established an interim standard for ship cyber security this year, calling shipbuilding companies and related industries’ attention to it. KR is carrying out research on domestic and foreign cyber securities and developing security guidelines applicable for different situations. Furthermore, alongside the simple provision of guidelines, KR is working to develop understandable and applicable security services for its clients.

(4) Software quality assurance

As a result of system changes from hardware to software, the verification of product quality which could once be done by the naked eye or using functional tests, has become more difficult. Now we should check the unseen quality of software. KR is developing software test standards in accordance with ISO 25000, and researching the construction of a software test system thatprovides software quality verification. By operating a demonstration project, we strive to achieve a goal which aims to provide our clients comprehensive software test services. 

(5) SCF archive center

IMO regulations ensure the storage and management of ship construction data in independent organizations in compliance with classification common structural rules. Accordingly, KR built a system to manage SCF (Ship Construction Files) and it is now fully operational. It supports client’s smooth access by Cloud Computing and manages ship construction data with tight security management. In the future, along with big data solutions, it is believed that SCF will become one of KR’s most important assets.

3. Conclusion

The Maritime ICT Center was launched with a goal of applying advanced ICT technologies to the maritime industry. All those working at the center will do their best to provide exceptional expert technical services to our clients based on our accumulated knowhow and experience in the laboratory.