AI Takes Over the Shipyard: Hanwha Ocean and Novarc Launch a New Era of Shipbuilding

Global shipbuilding is rapidly moving toward full automation. Canadian technology company Novarc Technologies and South Korean shipbuilding giant Hanwha Ocean have announced a partnership to develop AI-powered automated welding systems and intelligent manufacturing solutions for commercial and naval shipbuilding.

This is no longer about experimental robots or pilot projects. The companies are preparing for the next generation of shipbuilding production lines, where a significant portion of heavy industrial work will be handled by autonomous systems powered by artificial intelligence.

The Goal: Fully Robotized Shipyards

Under the new agreement, Hanwha Ocean will contribute its expertise in large-scale ship construction, while Novarc will provide advanced AI welding technologies, machine vision systems, and industrial Physical AI solutions.

The new systems are expected to significantly improve:

• welding accuracy;
• shipbuilding speed;
• production quality;
• structural consistency of ship hulls;
• reduction of defects and rework.

Today, welding remains one of the most labor-intensive processes in shipbuilding. Industry estimates suggest that welding can account for up to 30% of total production hours during vessel construction.

With:

• record-breaking orderbooks;
• shortages of skilled welders;
• rising labor costs;
• pressure on delivery schedules,

shipyards are increasingly investing in robotics and AI-driven manufacturing.

How the AI Welding Systems Work

One of the key advantages of the new technology is its ability to adapt in real time.

Using:

• machine vision;
• weld seam monitoring sensors;
• AI analysis of steel structures;
• automatic parameter adjustment,

the robotic systems can independently:

• monitor weld quality;
• optimize welding settings;
• compensate for structural deviations;
• minimize human error.

In essence, the system continuously learns during the manufacturing process itself.

Shipbuilding Is Becoming “Smart Manufacturing”

The Hanwha Ocean and Novarc project is part of a broader transformation across the global shipbuilding industry.

Major shipyards in South Korea, China, and Japan are already implementing:

• digital twin technologies;
• AI-based production planning;
• autonomous inspection robots;
• predictive maintenance systems;
• AR/VR-assisted ship assembly;
• robotized cranes and logistics systems.

Modern shipyards are gradually evolving into high-tech industrial facilities that increasingly resemble Tesla or Amazon factories, driven by data, automation, and AI.

Why Automation Is Becoming Essential

The push toward automation is being accelerated by an enormous global demand for new vessels.

The market is currently experiencing a major construction boom involving:

• LNG carriers;
• container ships;
• tankers;
• offshore support vessels;
• naval ships.

Many new contracts are already being scheduled for delivery in 2028–2029, while Asian shipyard backlogs continue to grow rapidly.

Particularly strong demand is being seen for:

• dual-fuel vessels;
• methanol-ready ships;
• offshore wind support fleets;
• next-generation autonomous vessels.

Shipyard Jobs Are Also Changing

Experts believe the shipbuilding workforce could change dramatically over the next 10–15 years.

Instead of traditional welding and manual production roles, shipyards will increasingly require:

• robotics specialists;
• AI engineers;
• digital production operators;
• industrial automation experts;
• autonomous systems engineers.

Shipbuilding is gradually transforming from a traditional heavy industry into one of the world’s most advanced high-tech sectors.