Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the Korean Register (KR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-develop a framework aimed at enhancing verification and validation (V&V) for technologies used in Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This partnership combines DSTA’s systems engineering expertise with KR’s leadership in maritime policy and safety standards.
The collaboration seeks to create a unified V&V framework to assess AI-based perception algorithms and other core technologies crucial for the safe operation of USVs. This initiative is expected to promote international standardisation of safety verification frameworks for autonomous maritime systems.
DSTA’s Director Naval Systems, Ong Li Koon, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “As the maritime sector moves towards broader adoption of autonomous technologies across defence and commercial domains, our partnership with Korean Register to co-develop a unified validation and verification framework will help raise the bar for the safety of autonomous navigation globally.”
KR’s Executive Vice President, Kim Daeheon, added, “This collaboration will support the development of robust test methodologies and safety guidelines for AI-based USV systems. Our goal is to enhance the safety and reliability of maritime technology, thereby building public and regulatory confidence in the deployment of autonomous vessels.”
The outcomes of this joint research are anticipated to influence international standards and regulatory discussions, contributing to a trusted global framework for autonomous ship technologies. KR aims to leverage this project to strengthen its role in maritime AI certification and expand its global partnerships.
