KR (Korean Register, Chairman & CEO Lee Yongsok) announced that it successfully hosted the 2026 KR Software-Defined Vessel (SDV) Technology Seminar for Remotely Controlled and Autonomous Ships at EL Tower in Seoul on July 2.

The seminar was organized to share strategies for the Software-Defined Vessel (SDV) era, drawing inspiration from the automotive industry's transition to Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). Approximately 50 representatives from the shipping, shipbuilding, and marine equipment industries, as well as government officials and other maritime stakeholders, attended the event.

The seminar focused on the future direction of Korea's maritime industry amid a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Presentations covered the evolution of smart ship platforms and integrated operating systems, as well as strategies adopted by Korea's major shipbuilders for SDV transition and integrated platform development. Participants also explored emerging propulsion and control technologies, including digital engine optimization solutions and open data architecture.

The program also featured case studies from industries that have already embraced the SDV paradigm, including the automotive sector, highlighting innovations in processors and software. These sessions provided insights into the core technologies and key considerations for developing centralized architectures for future vessels.
KR noted that the seminar served as more than a technical forum, providing a meaningful opportunity to strengthen collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutes while fostering discussions on the future direction of ship technology and proactive responses to the era of autonomous shipping.

Mr. Kim Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR, said, "This seminar provided a valuable opportunity to share the paradigm shift in ship architecture and explore next-generation software-centric strategies for the shipbuilding and shipping industries. As a trusted partner in the maritime industry's digital transformation, KR will continue to lead the standardization of technologies for remotely controlled and autonomous ships while actively supporting the industry's adoption of safe and reliable next-generation technologies."