September 27, 2025 – Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has announced the successful completion of a transpacific crossing using its autonomous navigation system, marking a significant milestone in the commercial application of artificial intelligence for maritime shipping.
The Samsung Autonomous Ship (SAS) system was tested aboard a 15,000 TEU container ship operated by Evergreen Marine. The vessel sailed from Oakland to Kaohsiung, covering approximately 10,000 kilometers over a voyage that began on August 25 and concluded on September 6.
During the journey, the SAS system demonstrated a high level of operational autonomy. It performed 104 optimal steering operations and executed 224 automatic control interventions, managing the ship’s engines and rudders without crew input. The system integrated real-time data from radar, GPS, and onboard cameras to navigate. It also analyzed weather conditions at three-hour intervals, proactively adjusting the ship’s course and speed to ensure punctual arrival and reduce fuel consumption.
An SHI representative stated that the technology has evolved beyond simple collision avoidance to independently maintain economical speeds and meet scheduled arrival times. This test highlights a industry-wide shift from prototypes to commercial-scale trials, with South Korean shipyards like SHI and HD Hyundai competing for leadership in smart shipping solutions. The technology is positioned as a key lever for reconciling the demands of operational punctuality with the urgent need to reduce emissions in maritime transport.
Launched in 2019, the SAS system is now the focus of continued trials with Evergreen, aiming to further refine route optimization and enhance energy efficiency.
References
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Samsung Heavy Industries. (2025, September 27). Press Release on the Transpacific Crossing of SAS.
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Evergreen Marine. (2025). Voyage Data and Logs for the Oakland-Kaohsiung Route.
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Lee, D. (2025). Remarks from the Head of the Shipbuilding and Offshore Research Institute at SHI.
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Maritime Executive. (2025). Coverage on Autonomous Shipping Trials.
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Ship Technology. (2025). Analysis on the Competitive Landscape of AI Navigation Systems.