HD Hyundai’s Avikus Secures Industry-Record Contract to Supply Autonomous Navigation to 40 HMM Vessels

SEOUL, KOREA — January 16, 2026 — Avikus, HD Hyundai’s specialized autonomous navigation subsidiary, has signed a landmark agreement with HMM, South Korea’s leading national carrier, to supply its AI-based autonomous navigation solution, HiNAS Control, to 40 vessels.

A Milestone in Global Autonomous Shipping

This agreement represents the largest single supply contract for autonomous navigation solutions to date. With this deal, Avikus becomes the first company in the industry to surpass 100 cumulative units of autonomous solutions supplied to large-scale commercial vessels (based on retrofit installations).

Differentiated Technology: AI-Powered Control

Unlike existing navigation support systems that focus solely on recognition and judgment, HiNAS Control is a "Level 2" autonomous system that performs active vessel control.

• Autonomous Operation: The system sets optimal routes and navigates without crew intervention.
• Enhanced Safety: Prevents maritime accidents by utilizing advanced AI for real-time situational awareness.
• Economic Efficiency: Maintains optimal speeds to maximize fuel savings and operational efficiency.
• Operational Continuity: Offers a viable solution to the global shortage of seafarers by reducing crew workload.

Strategic Partnership for Global Standards

In tandem with the supply contract, Avikus, HMM, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for AI-Based Autonomous Navigation Technology Cooperation. This partnership aims to strengthen industrial competitiveness and secure global standards in the evolving shipping market.

Defined Roles under the MOU:

• Avikus: Advancement and supply of the autonomous navigation solution.
• HMM: Deployment and operation of the solution using real-world voyage data.
• HD KSOE: Comprehensive technical support for system integration.

“The core of this collaboration is to enhance the effectiveness of autonomous technology through real-world data while strengthening fleet competitiveness,” said Won-hyuk Choi, CEO of HMM. “We expect to build a sustainable operation system by improving efficiency and safety while reducing the workload of our seafarers”.

Jay H Kang, CEO of Avikus, added: “This landmark contract with HMM marks a definitive shift as autonomous navigation moves from technical validation into the era of large-scale commercialization. By surpassing the 100-vessel milestone through this deepened collaboration with HMM, we are not just demonstrating a technology; we are delivering a proven commercial standard that enhances the economic and operational competitiveness of the global fleet.”

Navigate Smarter. Operate Safer. 

About Avikus Avikus is a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, dedicated to the development of autonomous navigation technology for both the commercial and leisure boat markets. Its mission is to redefine the future of shipping by providing AI-driven solutions that make maritime travel safer and more efficient.About HMM

About HMM HMM is South Korea’s leading national flagship carrier and a premier global integrated logistics company, currently ranked as the 8th largest container shipping line in the world. Committed to its vision of "sustainable fleet management," HMM is at the forefront of the maritime industry’s ESG transition by integrating AI-driven autonomous technologies to enhance operational safety and fuel efficiency. Through strategic collaborations and digital innovation, HMM continues to strengthen its global competitiveness while building a more reliable, safe, and eco-friendly future for the international shipping ecosystem.