M.AX Goes Full-Scale for Shipbuilding Equipment... 'Ship Outfitting Manufacturing Process Digital Twin Center' Opens

Opening Ceremony Held at Ulsan Techno Industrial Complex
3D Digital Twin Realization for Outfitting Equipment
Demonstration Covers Entire Production from Blueprint to Product

A center capable of demonstrating M.AX technology—which digitizes essential outfitting equipment such as piping and ladders as 3D digital twins for shipbuilding, and connects this data to automated welding and cutting machinery to automate the entire process from blueprint to finished product—will open on September 30.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that the opening ceremony for the 'Ship Outfitting Manufacturing Process Digital Twin Center' will be held today at the Ulsan Nam-gu Techno Industrial Complex.

The Asia Business Daily DB

An official from the Ministry said, "Outfitting equipment, such as piping, handrails, and cable trays, which are installed on ships, are an essential part of the shipbuilding process, directly influencing both the production schedule and product quality at shipyards. However, due to the characteristics of small-lot, high-variety production and the fact that most enterprises in this field are small and mid-sized companies, automation and intelligentization have lagged behind, resulting in labor shortages and productivity limitations."

The center, which opened today, enables practical verification of AX technology by automating the manufacturing of outfitting parts based on 3D digital twin blueprints. Additionally, it will systematically support the process automation, prototype production, and workforce training needs of local equipment companies.

Park Dongil, policy chief at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, who attended the opening ceremony, said, "Outfitting equipment integrates the hull, machinery, and electrical systems, connecting them into a single unit that brings a ship to life. I hope the center that opens today marks a true turning point for K-shipbuilding, leading the outfitting equipment industry’s M.AX transformation into a new era."

On the same day, the Green Ship Hybrid Propulsion Onshore Demonstration Center also opened in Yangsan. The hybrid propulsion system connects a shaft generator motor (SGM) to the propulsion shaft, allowing it to generate onboard power from the engine, or conversely, to rotate the propulsion shaft using that electricity, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. Until now, shipbuilders have relied on imported core equipment such as power converters, reduction gears, and control systems. With the establishment of this new center, it will now be possible to verify system-level performance under simulated real-world operating conditions. The Ministry expects that this will become a key hub, supporting Korean equipment companies from the verification of eco-friendly propulsion equipment performance to full-scale market entry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.