Evergreen Marine Corporation has successfully completed a transpacific trial voyage with AI-based autonomous navigation system developed by Samsung Heavy Industries (Samsung HI).

The system, Samsung Autonomous Ship, was trialled on the Taiwanese operator’s 15,000 TEU ship Ever Max that sailed from the US West Coast port of Oakland to Taiwan’s Kaohsiung port between 25 August and 6 September.

The system analysed weather conditions every three hours, performed optimal guidance and automatic switch control, all without the crew’s intervention, and Ever Max arrived on time.

Samsung HI said: “Failure to meet scheduled arrival times due to inclement weather can result in significant losses for shipping companies, including supply chain disruptions and increased logistical costs. As a result, autonomous navigation technology that analyses weather and operating conditions is in demand to ensure on-time arrival.”

The South Korean shipbuilder plans to work with Evergreen to develop autonomous navigation to optimise routes and enhance fuel savings. Samsung Autonomous Ship incorporates global positioning systems, vessel-tracking and location monitoring (for blind spots). Evergreen is Samsung HI’s major customer, having commissioned many large container ships there.

Samsung HI vice-president Lee Dong-yeon said: “Samsung Autonomous Ship has evolved from a system for collision avoidance to one that autonomously maintains economical speed and adheres to arrival times. It will contribute to the global shipping industry as an eco-friendly means of achieving fuel efficiency savings.”