Avikus Partners with SK telink to Develop Next-Generation Autonomous Ship Solution Powered by Starlink

SEOUL, KOREA – October 1, 2025 – Avikus, a leader in autonomous ship solutions, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SK telink that will accelerate the digital transformation of the global maritime industry. The two companies will jointly develop and commercialize an integrated smart ship solution that combines Avikus’s autonomous navigation systems with SK telink’s Starlink satellite communication service.

The partnership will integrate Avikus's world-leading technology with the high-speed, low-latency connectivity of Starlink, for which SK telink is the official reseller in Korea. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing real-time data processing and control, which will significantly boost the safety, fuel efficiency, and operational reliability of autonomous vessels. The scope of the MOU also includes cooperative research into converging AI and big data technologies with advanced communication services.

Avikus, founded by HD Hyundai in 2021, possesses the world's first commercialized autonomous navigation technology. The company's proprietary navigation assistance system, HiNAS (HD Hyundai Intelligent Navigation Assistant System), uses AI-powered cognition, judgment, and control to enable a vessel to follow routes, avoid collisions, and optimize operational efficiency. Avikus's solutions are already being applied as a standard on newly built vessels from HD Hyundai, leading the digital transformation of the global maritime market.

"Adopting Starlink through SK telink provides a powerful foundation to enhance the stability and performance of our autonomous solutions," said Dohyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus. "Based on this, we will continue to lead the market by delivering even higher-quality autonomous services."

"We are honored to partner with Avikus, a true pioneer in the field of autonomous smart ship solutions," said Shinyong Lee, Head of the Satellite Business Division at SK telink. "By combining our high-quality Starlink service with Avikus's advanced technology, we expect a revolutionary improvement in vessel operational safety and efficiency. Together, we will lead the advancement and global expansion of the smart ship market."

About Avikus Avikus is a pioneering company specializing in autonomous navigation solutions for the maritime industry. A subsidiary of HD Hyundai, Avikus has achieved key milestones, including the world's first successful transoceanic voyage of a large merchant vessel using its autonomous technology. The company's solutions, including HiNAS Control, are designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of vessel operations, contributing to a smarter, more sustainable future for global shipping.

About SK telink SK telink, a subsidiary of SK Telecom, is a leading ICT company providing a range of communication services, including satellite communications, international calling, and corporate messaging. Leveraging years of accumulated expertise and technology, the company offers stable communication services across maritime, land, and aviation sectors.