{mprestriction ids="1,2"}The aim of the collaboration is to deliver comprehensive digital twins, starting with the acquisition and processing of quality engine room data, ship performance and meteorological data to the training, simulation and human machine interface that will be necessary to turn insights from engine data into practical efficiencies.

The agreement will combine the four parties’ expertise in naval architecture and shipbuilding, engines, big data, and software development to pioneer new solutions that combine all of these elements for the first time.

The cooperation will be co-ordinated DSME. NAPA will develop digital twin ship models with digitalised components and a real-time simulation platform to integrate between engine models and ship models. AVL, which develops simulators and testing technology of powertrains and propulsions systems will provide the simulation tools and methodologies that the partnership projects will require. KMOU will contribute by providing the existing infrastructure as a basis for further development and optimisation.

“The development of digital twin ship and engine is one of the most exciting outcomes of the recent surge in maritime digitalisation and development of the Internet of Things. By creating a virtual, real-time copy of engine equipment, we can better monitor, analyse, and predict performance, leading to safer and more efficient operations. Here, the best experts in each field gathered in order to develop digital twin ships. We are confident that we can create and service superior product that exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Mr. Odin Kwon, CTO of DSME.

“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. This partnership represents shipping’s best minds in shipbuilding, engines, ship operations, and software. We’re excited to work together to develop digital twin technology and a platform that will make future generations of ships safer and smarter.”

Professor Deog Hee Doh from KMOU, stated: “We are actively entering into digital era in the industry nowadays which could be a basis for the development of autonomous ship. Building a digital platform should be well balanced between actual application of technology and academic basis. We are happy to be part of this cooperation."

KMOU faculty members have already started developing a platform in which AR/VR and digital twin technology are embedded. KMOU will focus on providing knowledge-based platform in the fields of simulations and communications related to digital ships extending to AR/VR. KMOU has strong competitiveness in developing digital twins because KMOU has its own training ships where world leading expert and faculty members are onboard, and by conducting collaborative practical research works and testing with them for practical validations on the developed prototype digital twin ship." 

Mr. Naoki Mizutani, executive vice president, Shipping Solutions at NAPA, commented: “New generations of vessels will set the standard for decades to come, and digital infrastructure will be just as important as the physical and mechanical elements of a newbuild. Bringing together ship builders, engine manufacturers and software experts is the ideal way to ensure that high quality digital infrastructure is embedded in the shipbuilding process from the very beginning and adds value throughout the lifecycle of a vessel.”{/mprestriction}