Hanwha Group, a leading South Korean conglomerate, is spearheading a profound transformation in the shipbuilding industry. With a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital innovations, Hanwha aims to automate up to 70 percent of shipbuilding processes, revolutionizing the way ships are constructed and improving productivity and safety.
One notable development is the establishment of the Virtual Reality Spray Training Center at the Hanwha shipyard on Geoje Island. This state-of-the-art facility enables workers to enhance their skills and techniques in spray-gun operations through virtual reality simulations. By leveraging this technology, Hanwha is ensuring that its workforce is equipped with the necessary expertise to achieve exemplary results.
To address the labor shortage in domestic shipyards, Hanwha is employing drones and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies through its Smart Yard Operation Center. These technologies allow for remote monitoring of test operations and transportation blocking, providing real-time insights and enhancing operational efficiency.
Moreover, Hanwha is developing an advanced AI system capable of automatically detecting shipbuilding blocks, further streamlining the production process. By automating such tasks, Hanwha is not only increasing productivity but also reducing the reliance on manual labor.
The implementation of robotics is another crucial aspect of Hanwha’s innovation efforts. With over 80 robots deployed across various shipbuilding sectors, including specialized welding robots, Hanwha is ensuring resilience against labor shortages and minimizing industrial accidents. Importantly, the deployment of lightweight welding robots has opened doors for female operators in a traditionally male-dominated industry, fostering diversity and inclusion.
Hanwha’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. The construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers at the No. 1 dock is a prime example. By using LNG instead of liquefied nitrogen for testing, Hanwha is creating an eco-friendly operational environment while still ensuring the necessary simulation and safety standards are met.
Furthermore, Hanwha is actively studying “sloshing” prevention, focusing on minimizing the movement of liquid inside containers to avoid potential damage to the walls. Through rigorous research and development, Hanwha aims to enhance vessel safety and protect cargo integrity during transportation.
In pursuit of its digital transformation journey, Hanwha recently entered into a basic accord with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), based in Houston, Texas. This partnership will drive testing and verification of digital production technology, cybersecurity, self-navigation, and smart ship solutions. By collaborating with ABS, Hanwha intends to leverage digital shipbuilding technology to significantly improve output efficiency by 2026.
Hanwha Group’s innovative strategies and technological advancements position it at the forefront of the shipbuilding industry, driving transformative changes and setting new standards for productivity, safety, and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Virtual Reality Spray Training Center at Hanwha’s shipyard?
The Virtual Reality Spray Training Center is a facility that allows workers to practice and refine their spray-gun techniques through virtual reality simulations. It aims to enhance their skills and improve the quality of spray operations.
2. How is Hanwha addressing the labor shortage in domestic shipyards?
Hanwha is employing drones and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies through its Smart Yard Operation Center to monitor test operations and block transportation remotely. This helps optimize operations and mitigate the impact of the labor shortage.
3. How is Hanwha leveraging digital technologies to improve safety in shipbuilding?
Hanwha deploys more than 80 robots, including specialized welding robots, across various shipbuilding sectors. These robots not only enhance productivity but also contribute to safety by reducing the risk of industrial accidents.
4. What is the significance of Hanwha’s collaboration with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)?
Hanwha’s partnership with ABS aims to test and verify digital production technology, cybersecurity, self-navigation, and smart ship solutions. This collaboration will drive digital transformation in shipbuilding and boost output efficiency.
5. How is Hanwha contributing to sustainability in the shipbuilding industry?
Hanwha is actively working to reduce carbon emissions by using liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of liquefied nitrogen for testing. Additionally, the company is studying “sloshing” prevention to enhance vessel safety and protect cargo integrity during transportation.