South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has teamed up with German engine specialist MAN Energy Solutions in a bid to secure a “competitive edge” in winning orders.

More specifically, the two sides will cooperate in developing smart ship technology.

According to SHI, the Memorandum of Understanding mainly aims at enhancing operating services of main marine engines by applying the engine diagnosis and control technology of MAN to SVESSEL, an SHI-developed cloud-based smart ship system.

The South Korean shipbuilder said that shipbuilding companies would be able to reduce operating costs with accurate data provided in real time via the upgraded SVESSEL to onshore control centers and vessels on the water.

Samsung is expanding its collaboration with major equipment companies on the development of technologies for smart ship solutions.

The company has also been working with WinGD of Switzerland to develop a remote engine diagnosis technology applicable to LNG-fueled vessels.

“Equipment manufacturers have actively participated in technology development of our cloud-based smart ship system and this will provide more useful and diverse services to shipowners,” Shim, Yong-Lae, Vice President of SHI Ship & Offshore Research Institute, said.

“By solidifying the ecosystem where both shipbuilders and equipment producers coexist, we will take the lead in developing innovative smart ship system.”