ㅣExpected to lead the AX transformation of the shipbuilding and marine industry

   through the creation of new AI services and digital business models

KR announced that it signed a "Memorandum of Understanding for AI- and AX-Driven Digital Classification and Shipbuilding & Marine Innovation" with Microsoft Korea (MS Korea, CEO Cho Wonwoo) at KR's Busan Head Office on 9 [Month]. At the ceremony, attended by representatives of both companies, the two sides agreed to advance digital classification through AI- and data-centered AX (AI transformation) and to jointly lead the digital innovation of the shipbuilding and marine industry.

Their cooperation spans three areas: AI- and data-centered innovation in classification work, the AX transformation of the industry alongside the establishment of an AI-centred ship data centre, and the creation of new AI-based services and digital business models.
The agreement follows the "Memorandum of Understanding to Accelerate the Transition to Digital Classification” which the two companies signed in March 2023, advancing their work from digital transformation (DX) centred on cloud migration and collaboration platforms to AI-centred AX cooperation.

To implement the AI Grand Plan it established in-house in 2024, KR will pursue AI technology cooperation with Microsoft Korea and expand the automation and intelligence of classification work through wider use of generative AI (Copilot) and the development of AI agents, strengthening its productivity and quality competitiveness.

The two parties also agreed to develop AI-centred ship design support and optimization services and to build an AI-centred ship data center utilizing vessels and the marine environment, thereby leading the industry's digital infrastructure. They will further join forces to commercialise data and AI services for the shipbuilding and marine industry and to identify customer-tailored AI services and platform business models.

KR Chairman & CEO Lee Yongsok said, "We expect that, by integrating AI technology across classification, survey, and technical services through our cooperation with Microsoft Korea, we will accelerate the transition to a digital classification society," adding, "Through the establishment of an AI-centered ship data center and the creation of new digital services, we will contribute to strengthening the global competitiveness of the shipbuilding and marine industry."

MS Korea CEO Cho Wonwoo said, "MS supports the AI transformation of the domestic industry on the basis of trustworthy AI and cloud technology," adding, "Through this cooperation, we will actively support KR in accelerating generative-AI- and data-driven innovation and in leading the digital transformation of the shipbuilding and marine industry as a whole.”