"The Era of Crewless Ships: 30 Billion Won AI Autonomous Navigation Demonstration Project Launched"

Full-Scale Launch of 15 Major AI Great Transformation Projects
Detailed Support Measures for AI Shipbuilding and Drone Sectors
Goal to Develop Autonomous Navigation Technology by 2030
Fully Autonomous Drone Technology Targeted for 2031

As the government pushes forward with 15 major projects for the AI Great Transformation, it has detailed support measures specifically for the AI shipbuilding and drone sectors. In the shipbuilding sector, a demonstration project worth 30 billion won will be launched next year to test new technologies. Additionally, AI-powered autonomous navigation technology will be newly designated as a national strategic technology in the second half of the year, with enhanced tax support measures.

On October 1, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yooncheol outlined these plans at the "AI Great Transformation Relay On-Site Meeting" held at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, attended by companies, experts, and relevant ministries from the AI shipbuilding and drone sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yoonchul is delivering opening remarks at the "AI Great Transformation Relay Meeting" held on the 1st at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

Koo Yooncheol stated, "AI-based innovation in ships and drones is a game changer that will reshape the existing industrial ecosystem and is an essential strategy for survival. The era of crewless ships is approaching rapidly, while companies worldwide are racing to develop AI-powered drones, expanding their application across diverse industries."

He further explained, "If we combine our world-class IT, semiconductor, and shipbuilding capabilities with AI technology, we can lead the global market." He also announced, "The government will mobilize all available resources to actively support the advancement of the shipbuilding and drone industries."

The government has set a goal to develop autonomous navigation technology for ships that eliminates the need for crew members by 2030. To achieve this, it will collaborate with AI, shipbuilding, and shipping companies to develop integrated systems for autonomous navigation, engine automation, and cargo-port connectivity.

In addition, to demonstrate new technologies, a large-scale demonstration project targeting domestic coastal vessels will be conducted from next year through 2029, with a budget of 30 billion won. The designated operating zones for autonomous ships will be determined in the second half of the year. AI-powered autonomous navigation technology will also be newly designated as a national strategic technology in the second half, with strengthened tax support for R&D and facility investment.

In the AI drone sector, the goal is to develop fully autonomous flight technology by 2031, and the government will promote five major AI drone projects. These projects will focus on developing mission-capable AI drones in five key sectors with high drone utilization: aviation, firefighting, agriculture, logistics, and construction/facility management. The support will cover the entire cycle, from development to demonstration and commercialization.

Koo Yoonchul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance (fifth from the left), is taking a commemorative photo with industry representatives from the shipbuilding and drone sectors who attended the "AI Grand Transition Relay Meeting" held on the 1st at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

During the meeting, participants urged the government to expand support for technology development and boldly improve regulations to secure future competitiveness in the AI shipbuilding and drone markets. The government stated that it will review the various opinions raised today and reflect them in future policy formulation and institutional improvements.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced, "We will continue to hold relay meetings for each leading AI Great Transformation project and prepare detailed support measures for each sector based on on-site feedback." Since August, the government has been holding these relay on-site meetings as part of the AI Great Transformation leading projects included in the "New Government Economic Growth Strategy" to enhance communication with the field.

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