Port Report: Korean shipbuilder aims to develop ‘digital twins’

Cooperation agreement on developing on-shore simulators aims to foster robotic shipping future.

(Photo: Shutterstock)

One of Asia’s largest shipbuilders will help develop “digital twins” for ocean vessels, part of an effort to provide better monitoring and performance analytics around ocean shipping.

South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) is part of the co-operation agreement with Finnish software maker Napa, German powertrain developer AVL, and Korea Maritime and Ocean University.

The four will collaborate on methods for acquiring and processing engine room data, ship performance and meteorological data. The goal is “to turn insights from engine data into practical efficiencies” for the training of seafarers and understanding how ships perform in real-world circumstances.

“The development of digital twin ship and engine is one of the most exciting outcomes of the recent surge in maritime digitalization and development of the Internet of Things,” said Odin Kwon, Chief Technology Officer of DSME said,  “By creating a virtual, real-time copy of engine equipment, we can better monitor, analyze, and predict performance, leading to safer and more efficient operations.”

Each partner brings a different angle to the collaboration, coordinated by DSME, the world’s second largest shipbuilder behind Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Napa, an expert in maritime software and big data, will develop digital twin ship models with digitalized components and a real-time simulation platform to integrate between engine models and ship models.

AVL will develop the simulation tools and methodologies for the development, simulation and testing of powertrains and propulsions systems.

Korea Maritime and Ocean University is developing a platform for using virtual and augmented reality to help monitor ship performance. The university’s own training ships are expected to be a test bed for research and testing of digital twins. One professor said digital twins will help advance development of robotic shipping.

“We are actively entering into the digital era in the industry nowadays which could be a basis for the development of autonomous ship,” said Professor Deog Hee Doh. “Digital twins bring together a range of different fields of expertise, requiring hardware, software and operations to work together. This is why collaboration is essential if this technology is to mature.”

Panama Canal looks to revise toll structure

New tolls look to incent iron ore cargoes and container ship customers. (VesselFinder)

Damage to targeted tankers being assessed

Owner of one tanker says it is wary of further charters in the Mideast Gulf. (Lloyd’s List)

Manager of damaged tanker confirms U.S. surveillance video

Affirmation aims to counter claim from Iran that video of tanker was doctored. (Splash 247)

Study sees no harm in sulfur scrubber washwater

Study aims to refute concerns about sulfur discharge into oceans. (World Maritime News)

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now