The Nation's First Construction of an 'Information and Communication Technology Convergence Electric Propulsion Smart Ship'

Ulsan City, Kick-off Report Meeting on the 29th ... 45 Billion KRW Including National Subsidies Invested

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] The first domestically built ‘future-type ship’ equipped with advanced technology and free of environmental pollution, a smart electric energy propulsion vessel, will be constructed in Korea.

Ulsan City is embarking on the construction of the nation’s first DC-based eco-friendly and smart electric propulsion ship, integrating core information and communication technology (ICT), to inject new competitiveness into the shipbuilding and marine industry.

Ulsan City announced that it will hold a kickoff briefing session for the construction of the eco-friendly and smart electric propulsion ship at 2 p.m. on the 29th in the conference room of the Ulsan Information Industry Promotion Agency.

The briefing session will include progress reports on the project and presentations on future construction plans.

The Ulsan Information Industry Promotion Agency, responsible for this project, plans to sign a business agreement with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd., Hyundai Global Service Co., Ltd., and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. to establish an ecosystem for strengthening global competitiveness of eco-friendly, smart, and autonomous ships.

This project, scheduled to proceed until 2022, will involve a total investment of 45 billion KRW, including 23.5 billion KRW in national funds and 21.5 billion KRW in city funds.

After review by an external evaluation committee, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. was selected as the shipbuilder.

The ship to be constructed will be the first in Korea to apply four core ICT convergence technologies: ▲dual-fuel (DF) engine system ▲DC grid-based electric propulsion system ▲integrated control system ▲smart solutions.

Measuring 89.2 meters in length, 12.8 meters in width, and 5.4 meters in height, it can carry approximately 375 passengers and sail at a maximum speed of 16.0 knots.

It will provide passengers with enjoyable sightseeing experiences. The ship’s interior will feature various entertainment and convenience facilities such as a performance stage, virtual reality (VR) experience center, and content hall, along with an outdoor terrace offering views of the Ulsan coastline, making it suitable as a whale-watching tour vessel.

Ulsan City plans to complete the basic design by the end of this year and receive delivery by October 2022, with full-scale operation starting in 2023.

The electric propulsion ship market is in its early stages, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightening environmental regulations and increasing orders for eco-friendly ships. Some advanced European companies are currently dominating the market with system packages.

Ulsan City aims to secure competitiveness in related fields through the development and demonstration of core equipment by promoting this project.

Through the localization and demonstration of core equipment for eco-friendly and smart ships, the city plans to support the accumulation of various track records and create new markets for companies struggling to open sales channels.

An official from Ulsan City stated, “Through this project, we will localize core equipment for eco-friendly and smart ships and enhance export competitiveness by applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the future. We will secure new growth engines for Ulsan’s future shipbuilding industry through collaboration among large, medium, and small enterprises.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.