Eastern Pacific Shipping and Avikus Sign Retrofit Deal for AI-Based Autonomous Navigation
Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), a global ship management company focused on innovation and decarbonisation, has signed an installation contract with Avikus, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai specializing in maritime autonomous navigation. Under this agreement, Avikus’ HiNAS Control, SVM, and HiNAS Cloud systems will be installed on two EPS-managed vessels—a bulk carrier and a suezmax tanker. The signing ceremony took place in Singapore, attended by EPS’s Technical Director, Sachin Saharawat, and Avikus’s CEO, Dohyeong Lim.
Avikus will provide its AI-powered HiNAS Control solution, integrating hardware and software, alongside HiNAS Cloud, an advanced analytics platform for shore-side fleet monitoring. The project includes full commissioning and a comprehensive training programme, covering onboard and ongoing online crew education.
This agreement marks Avikus’ first commercial retrofit contract outside Korea, reflecting increased global interest in AI-driven maritime solutions aimed at improving safety and fuel efficiency.
?“EPS is proud to lead the industry in adopting cutting-edge technologies that support safer, smarter and greener operations,” said Mr. Sachin Saharawat, Technical Director at EPS. “This partnership with Avikus will enable us to accelerate our digital transformation while delivering measurable performance and sustainability gains across our fleet.”The HiNAS Control system applies real-time sensor fusion and machine learning to enhance autonomous navigation and routing decisions. By enabling precise vessel control in varying sea and weather conditions, it helps reduce fuel consumption. Meanwhile, HiNAS Cloud provides shore-based teams with voyage analytics and decision support tools. Together, these systems contribute to improved operational efficiency and emissions reduction.
?“We are honoured to partner with EPS, a global frontrunner in maritime digitalisation,” said Mr. Dohyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus. “This agreement validates the strength of our autonomous technology and its ability to deliver tangible fuel savings and safety improvements. We are excited to expand our international retrofit footprint through this milestone collaboration.”
Avikus, supported by HD Hyundai, has equipped over 350 vessels with its navigation assistance systems, covering both newbuilds and retrofits. As global regulations evolve, the maritime industry continues exploring autonomous technologies to support safer and more sustainable operations.
?? Source: EPS
