KMTC Expands Deployment of Avikus’ AI-Powered HiNAS Control with Additional Three-Vessel Agreement

SEOUL, South Korea, July 6, 2026 – Avikus, HD Hyundai’s specialized autonomous navigation company, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Korea Marine Transport Co., Ltd. (KMTC) to install its AI-powered autonomous navigation support system, HiNAS Control, on three additional container vessels.

The new agreement further expands the partnership between the two companies following an initial pilot deployment and a subsequent fleet contract covering ten vessels. With this latest order, the number of KMTC vessels equipped with HiNAS Control will increase to fourteen.

The expansion reflects KMTC’s continued commitment to digital innovation, operational reliability, and customer-focused service enhancement. As one of Asia’s leading container shipping companies, KMTC has consistently invested in advanced technologies to improve navigational safety, operational efficiency, and service quality across its fleet and logistics network.

“Following the successful pilot operation and deployment across ten vessels, we have gained strong confidence in the safety and operational benefits demonstrated by HiNAS Control in real-world navigation,” said Yong Hwa Shin, President of KMTC.

“By further expanding the adoption of AI-powered navigation technology across our fleet, we expect to strengthen our competitiveness through innovation while continuing to provide reliable and high-quality services to our customers.”

HiNAS Control is an AI-powered navigation support system that integrates perception, decision-making, and control functions to assist crews with safer, more efficient vessel operations. The solution continuously analyzes surrounding vessel traffic and navigation conditions to support collision avoidance and optimized navigation.

The system has already demonstrated tangible benefits in fuel efficiency and navigational safety through commercial operations. In addition, HiNAS Control is recognized as the first Korean-developed autonomous navigation solution to achieve large-scale commercial deployment across operating vessels, marking a significant milestone for the maritime technology industry.

“ We sincerely appreciate KMTC’s continued trust in Avikus through the pilot project, the initial fleet deployment, and now this additional expansion,” said Jaeho Kang, CEO of Avikus.

“This agreement demonstrates that HiNAS Control is more than a navigation support tool—it is a proven platform delivering measurable safety and economic value through real operational data. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with KMTC and accelerating the digital transformation of the maritime industry.”

As artificial intelligence and digital technologies continue to transform global shipping, the expanded collaboration between KMTC and Avikus demonstrates how forward-looking shipowners and maritime technology companies can work together to establish safer, smarter, and more sustainable maritime operations.