HMM - Experts & Thought Leaders

HMM has completed three pilots implementing DCSA standards. Working with Genesis, Samsung SDS, and HelloContainer, HMM explored how the Booking and Bill of Lading standards enhance accuracy, visibility and efficiency in digital information sharing. Each pilot tested DCSA standards in live environments, supported by DCSA through onboarding, technical facilitation and partner alignment. It is the first time the carrier has worked simultaneously with several ecosystem partners to validate standardised API-based data exchanges, improving the speed, accuracy and reliability of booking and documentation updates. The initiative demonstrates how collaboration across the value chain can turn digital frameworks into operational reality. DCSA Conformance system John Kim, Senior Manager of Digital at HMM reflects “The DCSA Conformance system proved valuable in verifying that carrier-developed APIs functioned correctly. From this, HMM recognised that collaboration beyond conformance was essential. Conducting pilots between parties that had passed the conformance test became a practical way to advance toward a standardised digital environment.”  Mr Kim continues, “Three pilots were successfully completed, offering real-world experience and a solid foundation for future implementation. HMM, Samsung SDS and HelloContainer are now applying these outcomes as they prepare for production, a process like to riding a surfboard on the wave of digital shipping.” Addressing inefficiencies In collaboration with Genesis, HMM tested the DCSA Booking standard to improve how booking confirmations are exchanged across systems. The pilot complemented existing EDIFACT-based processes with modern APIs, addressing inefficiencies caused by manual workflows and custom integrations that relied on spreadsheets and repeated data entry, often leading to missed updates or costly downstream corrections. By automating booking updates through DCSA’s standardised interface, the teams achieved faster, more accurate information exchange and reduced operational workload, while contributing valuable implementation feedback that will help refine future DCSA guidance. Improving data quality and alignment In collaboration with Samsung SDS, HelloContainer and FrieslandCampina, who participated in the pilot through HelloContainer as the designated cargo owner, HMM tested the DCSA Booking and Bill of Lading standards to explore how standardised APIs can replace fragmented EDI and email exchanges with a scalable, reusable approach that reduces the need for bespoke integrations. The pilot focused on improving data quality and alignment across systems, tackling long-standing inconsistencies in carrier messages and delays in shared updates such as estimated times of arrival. HelloContainer has already implemented the DCSA Track & Trace standard and is preparing to go live with the Booking and Bill of Lading standards in production by the end of 2025. Collaborative progress Commenting on the results, Mariana Bock-Losada, Chief Growth Officer DCSA, said: “This initiative reflects the collaborative progress we aim to achieve through DCSA+. HMM’s pilots are a clear demonstration of why standardisation matters.” “By adopting DCSA-conformant Booking and Bill of Lading APIs, HMM has shown that once a carrier implements the standard, any counterpart that has done the same can connect directly, without the need for custom integrations. This is how standardisation turns digital collaboration from a costly one-to-one exercise into a scalable, industry-wide capability.” This milestone underscores the importance of industry-wide collaboration in advancing digital adoption. By facilitating partnerships between carriers and ecosystem stakeholders, DCSA enables the exchange of insight, technical alignment and shared learning that accelerate the development of open, interoperable standards for global container shipping, turning pilots like these into scalable implementation models for the wider industry.

ABS awarded a statement of compliance certificate to AVIKUS Co., Ltd., for the fuel-saving verification framework that AVIKUS has developed for HiNAS Control, an autonomous navigation system. ABS joined AVIKUS, shipping company HMM Co., Ltd., and the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry in a project to assess the fuel-saving potential of the navigation system by analyzing ship performance data from vessels with HiNAS Control installed. A verification framework was developed by AVIKUS to predict potential fuel savings in general vessel operations. ABS reviewed the framework based on existing international standards. HiNAS Control system The HiNAS Control system provides vessels with suggested optimal route and speed data The HiNAS Control system provides vessels with suggested optimal route and speed data and also automatically controls steering and RPMs that enable route tracking, collision avoidance and fuel savings. ABS reviewed the installation of the system based on ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote-Control Functions. “Autonomous technologies are not isolated products but fully integrated within vessel infrastructure and the result of numerous advancements in a wide variety of mechanisms including sensors, imaging, connectivity, machine learning and more.” “When used in vessel operations, autonomous functions have the potential to increase safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve performance,” said Joshua Divin, ABS Senior Vice President, Marine Business Development. Securing ABS verification “Securing ABS verification is a critical milestone, but it is more than a certificate—it is data-driven proof that AI-powered autonomy is a powerful lever for decarbonisation and operational efficiency for the industry.” “A 4 to 5 percent fuel savings is not an incremental improvement; for a global fleet, it represents a fundamental shift in profitability and environmental compliance. We are proud to partner with industry leaders like HMM, ABS, and the Liberian Registry to commercialise this transformative capability and define the future of maritime logistics,” said Dohyeong Lim, CEO of AVIKUS. Operational philosophy “At HMM, our operational philosophy is clear: strengthening our core competitiveness is the foundation of customer trust. The adoption of advanced autonomous technology is a strategic imperative, not an option, and is part of the transformation and innovation required to become a global top-tier shipping company.” “This joint initiative with AVIKUS provides a tangible tool to enhance service reliability and profitability, which reinforces our market position and accelerates our commitment to a sustainable, decarbonised future,” said Wonhyok Choi, CEO of HMM. Impactful joint initiative “The Liberian Registry is proud to support this impactful joint initiative between AVIKUS, HMM, ABS, and our Administration. By issuing a Factual Statement for the HiNAS voyage optimisation system, we affirm its alignment with international standards for energy savings verification and congratulate the stakeholders on the successful outcome.” “This collaboration underscores our commitment to maritime innovation, improved vessel efficiency, and meaningful contributions to industry decarbonisation,” said Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President, Innovation & Regulatory Affairs, Liberian Registry.  The ABS Intelligent Systems Technology Center in Korea provides guidance in autonomous and remote operations as well as SMART Technologies.

In a major push toward decarbonising maritime logistics, President Jae-young Byeon of the Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) and Chief Executive Sun-bae Hong of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Centre (KMC) jointly announced the successful conclusion of the “2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels,” held on 23 April at the Caradium Hall of the PJ Hotel in Seoul. The forum, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organised by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors. Marine biofuel supply chain The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the IMO's approval The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures. Positioning Ulsan Port as a pioneering biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia was central to the agenda. UPA, Korea’s foremost port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations. UPA's commitment During the second session, UPA's Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centred on Ulsan Port, highlighting the port's strategic advantages, including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise. The presentation showcased UPA's commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia's premier biofuel bunkering destination. IMO environmental regulations The presentation showcased UPA's duty to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks "As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels," stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon. "Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centred biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise." Climate-friendly economic transition Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Centre (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that "the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition." During his address, Director Hong stressed, "We will continuously facilitate industry dialogue forums like this meeting to strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic shipping industry as international regulations approach, creating opportunities for growth." Key players in the maritime and energy sectors Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors: Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Pioneer Dae-jung Hwang of KMC Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Pioneer Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels The forum concluded with a dynamic panel discussion where UPA outlined its roadmap for transforming Ulsan Port into the region’s leading biofuel supply centre, backed by strategic investments and cross-sector partnerships.