Samsung Heavy Industries Co. has opened a remote operation center at the Taipei headquarters of Taiwan’s Evergreen Group, according to the company. The Samsung Remote Operation Center (SROC) functions as a land-based control tower monitoring vessel information and equipment status in real time, with the aim of improving equipment inspections and maintenance, Samsung Heavy said.
Evergreen plans to increase the number of vessels connected to the SROC, the company added. Samsung Heavy said the SROC is the first center of its kind created through direct shipbuilding–shipper collaboration and reflects the companies’ long-standing partnership.
Earlier this year, Samsung Heavy tested its remote monitoring technology by installing autonomous navigation systems on Evergreen container ships operating on the 10,000-kilometer route between Oakland, California, and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The two companies also agreed to expand development of remote inspection technology and to prepare for remotely operated autonomous vessels, Samsung Heavy said.
“The SROC will play a major role in supporting the safe operation of ships and enabling emergency response in the digital transformation of vessels,” said Choi Jong-woong, head of the autonomous navigation center at Samsung Heavy. “We expect the Korean shipbuilding industry to lead autonomous navigation technology and help establish global standards.”
Samsung Heavy Industries Co. is a South Korean shipbuilding company incorporated under Korean law and headquartered in Geoje. It operates shipyards specializing in commercial vessels, offshore facilities, and marine engineering solutions. The company also engages in research and development related to maritime automation, digital systems, and energy-related offshore structures.
Evergreen Group is a Taiwan-based corporate group structured as a conglomerate with activities spanning shipping, aviation, and related logistics services. Its affiliates operate container fleets, air transport businesses, and various support units across freight handling, ground services, and travel operations. The group manages its global maritime logistics network from its headquarters in Taipei.