Photos of the research agreement event: from right of the first row, Prof. Yonghwan Kim(SNU), Dr.Rachael Riley (Chief of Naval Research, ONR), Dr.Kwang-Phi Chang (CTO, HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering)

Seoul National University, HD Hyundai, and the U.S. Navy Take ‘First Step’ in Next-Generation Ship Technology Research Cooperation

On April 23, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) hosted an event in Arlington to officially launch Korea–U.S. research cooperation in shipbuilding. Representatives from ONR, Seoul National University (SNU), HD Hyundai, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), and other U.S. research institutions participated in the inauguration of the Korea–U.S. Next-Generation Research Cooperation Group.

The collaboration focuses on two key projects: the development of predictive ship digital twin technology by SNU and HD Hyundai, and advanced ultra-large-scale 3D printing technologies for shipbuilding led by HD Hyundai. ONR will directly fund research conducted by Professor Yonghwan Kim’s team and HD Hyundai researchers.

Professor Kim’s team will develop an AI-enhanced digital twin system capable of predicting ocean conditions, vessel motion, and operational performance in real time, while HD Hyundai will conduct practical vessel applications and performance validation. The project is expected to strengthen strategic Korea–U.S. cooperation in next-generation shipbuilding technologies.

Professor Yonghwan Kim serves as the Director of the Lloyd's Register Foundation Research Center in SNU for Safety of Future Ships (LRFC), and the research between ONR and HD Hyundai is centered around the LRFC. The Lloyd's Register Foundation has been supporting Professor Kim's research team for the safety of future ships since September 2024, and the research agreement with ONR and HD Hyundai is a part of the ongoing research activities of LRFC.

https://edu.donga.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=106961