Inside KR
KR Decarbonization Magazine
VOL.12 | MARCH 2026
KR Unveils “PILOT” and “POWER”
to Advance Maritime Decarbonization
KR has launched two new digital platforms—PILOT and POWER—designed to support the maritime industry in formulating carbon reduction strategies and enhancing operational efficiency.
PILOT : Platform for Insightful LOw-emission Transitions
POWER : Performance evaluation for Operational characteristics, Weather & aging Effect and fuel consumption Review
As the European Union’s greenhouse gas regulatory regimes, including EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, are now in force, uncertainty surrounding the global regulatory landscape has intensified. This uncertainty has been further exacerbated by delays in the adoption of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, the cornerstone of the IMO’s maritime decarbonization implementation architecture.
Against this complex regulatory backdrop, the shipping industry is increasingly demanding solutions that enable objective, data-driven verification of diverse emission reduction options and operational strategies, while comprehensively accounting for cost implications and regulatory risks. The newly developed platforms directly address these needs by supporting the establishment of efficient decarbonization strategies and optimized voyage planning.
PILOT enables users to design and assess greenhouse gas reduction scenarios based on vessel-specific technical specifications and operational data. By leveraging actual vessel emissions data reported to the IMO and the EU, the platform automatically calculates ship-specific emissions and regulatory compliance costs. It further evaluates the economic feasibility and emission reduction effectiveness of measures such as the adoption of energy-saving devices (ESDs) and alternative fuels, thereby identifying optimal decarbonization pathways. In addition, PILOT supports mid- to long-term planning by incorporating prospective regulatory change scenarios.
POWER, meanwhile, visualizes vessel operational performance and fuel efficiency by integrating Automatic Identification System (AIS) data with meteorological and oceanographic information. Through this functionality, ship operators can readily assess current operating conditions, identify areas for improvement, and develop data-driven optimal operating strategies.
KR and Geumyang Shipping Commence
Joint Development of an Electric Hybrid Propulsion System
KR has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Geumyang Shipping and ALSEN Maritime to jointly undertake the concept design development (JDP) of an Electric Hybrid Propulsion System for a 2,990 DWT general cargo vessel.
This collaboration has been initiated in response to rapidly growing demand for environmentally friendly and low-carbon vessels. The project aims to establish a robust verification and validation framework for electric hybrid propulsion technologies that can be practically applied to vessels scheduled for construction, thereby enhancing commercial competitiveness.
While electric hybrid propulsion offers significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction, its practical application requires rigorous technical validation across multiple complex design elements, including DC power distribution system design, load analysis, system arrangement, and piping layouts.
Under the JDP, Geumyang Shipping will oversee overall project management and key decision-making. ALSEN Maritime will be responsible for developing core design documentation, including one-line electrical diagrams, system layouts, machinery arrangements, and load analyses. KR will verify the compliance of the developed design documents with classification rules, assess system safety, and grant Approval in Principle (AIP) upon successful evaluation.
The technologies secured through this joint development are scheduled to be applied and demonstrated first in Geumyang Shipping’s actual cargo vessel project. Furthermore, KR plans to expand technical collaboration with domestic industry stakeholders based on the outcomes of this project, with a view to strengthening international regulatory responding and establishing robust safety standards for electric hybrid propulsion technologies.
Global Ro-Ro Leaders Convene to Shape Decarbonization Pathways
Key stakeholders in the global Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) transport sector convened to discuss decarbonization strategies at the Global Ro-Ro Community (GRC) 2025 Autumn General Assembly, which concluded successfully.
The assembly was co-hosted by KR, Hyundai Glovis, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, UECC, and the Smart Freight Centre (SFC). It attracted broad participation from global Ro-Ro carriers, automotive manufacturers, cargo owners, shipbuilders, classification societies, and ESG policy institutions, all of whom engaged in in-depth discussions on concrete pathways toward a sustainable transition of the Ro-Ro transport market.
The seminar program focused on critical themes shaping the future competitiveness of the Ro-Ro sector, including:
▶ the IMO Net-Zero Framework and international regulatory trends;
▶ Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions accounting using the GRC methodology;
▶ applications of the Book & Claim mechanism; and strategies for the development of green shipping corridors.
Participants emphasized the necessity of coordinated industry-wide responses to increasingly stringent global regulations and shared practical, execution-oriented approaches to decarbonization. The networking dinner that followed the seminar further strengthened cross-sector engagement and expanded opportunities for collaborative partnerships.
KR and H-Line Shipping Partner
for a Sustainable Maritime Future
KR has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with H-Line Shipping to cooperate on the digital transformation of the shipping industry and the development of environmentally friendly maritime technologies.
The agreement is significant in that it establishes a collaborative foundation for proactively addressing the maritime industry’s pressing challenges of climate change responding and digital innovation, while contributing to the creation of a sustainable shipping ecosystem.
Under the MOU, the two organizations will pursue joint initiatives including:
▶ the establishment of operational data-based energy efficiency analysis and verification frameworks;
▶ the advancement of regulatory response technologies linked to KR’s technical evaluation platform (KR-Power Phase 2); and collaborative research on international environmental regulations.
Going forward, the scope of cooperation will be expanded to include AI- and big data-based operational technology validation, alternative fuel applications, and green certification initiatives.
KR Grants AIP for Advanced Hybrid Battery Power Management
KR has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) for a new hybrid battery operation technology jointly developed by HD Hyundai Mipo, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, and HD Hyundai Marine Solution.
The approved technology represents a significant advancement over conventional hybrid battery applications, which primarily served as auxiliary power sources. Beyond peak shaving during sudden power demand surges or emergency backup functions, the new concept dynamically controls power flows in real time to ensure that main generators consistently operate at their optimal efficiency levels.
Specifically, when onboard power demand exceeds the generator’s optimal operating range, the battery immediately supplements the required power. Conversely, when power demand decreases, the battery is charged, thereby optimizing generator load conditions.
Through this intelligent power management technology, generators are maintained within their highest efficiency operating zones, significantly enhancing system efficiency and stability while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
TradeWinds Global Shipbuilding Forum Debuts in Korea
The world’s leading maritime media outlet TradeWinds hosted the TradeWinds Global Shipbuilding Forum 2025 at the Signiel Busan Hotel, marking its first-ever global forum held in Korea.
The event brought together industry leaders from shipyards, shipping companies, financial institutions, and equipment manufacturers from Korea and abroad to discuss future strategies for the shipbuilding and shipping industries.
Building on the global reputation of the internationally influential ‘TradeWinds Shipowners Forum’ series, the newly launched forum addressed critical industry-wide issues such as decarbonization, technological innovation, and geopolitical risk.
Panel discussions featured major shipbuilders including Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean, alongside global shipping companies such as NYK Line and Capital Ship Management. Together, they explored key challenges and solutions for strengthening competitiveness amid rapidly evolving market conditions.
In addition, experts from leading domestic and international institutions—including the Export-Import Bank of Korea, the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA), Swiss marine engine developer WinGD, UK maritime law firm Stephenson Harwood, and shipbroking firm Arrow Shipbroking Group—shared insights on the implications of changes in U.S. foreign policy for the shipbuilding industry, as well as broader themes of decarbonization and technological innovation.