KR Develops 3D Model-Based Ship Design Approval Process with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

[Financial News] The Korean Register (KR) partners with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to establish a system that allows shipyards to directly utilize 3D models used for ship design for classification society approvals.
KR announced on the 16th that it signed a business agreement with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries at Gastec 2026, which is being held in Bangkok, for the "joint development of a ship structural design 3D model-based approval process."
Although the ship design environment in the current shipbuilding industry is rapidly shifting to a 3D model-centric model, there was a limitation in that 3D design information had to be converted back into 2D drawings for classification society approval.
Accordingly, the two companies agreed to jointly develop a new work system that reduces redundant tasks and allows the classification society to directly review and approve the 3D models used in the design.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries provides 3D design models and related data for ships, and verifies field applicability by conducting pilot applications on actual ships.
KR defines the approval scope, review items, and approval criteria for 3D models, and develops an approval environment capable of reviewing compliance with classification society rules. In addition, it plans to improve the completeness of the process by incorporating the results of the pilot application.
Through this joint development, the two companies expect to reduce the time and workload involved in creating 2D drawings and shorten the period for classification society approval.
"Shifting the standard for ship design approval from 2D drawings to 3D models is a significant turning point that innovates the way classification societies operate," said KR Vice President Kim Dae-heon. "Together with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, we will establish an approval system based on actual design data that can be utilized in the field, thereby increasing the operational efficiency of both the shipyard and the classification society."
[email protected] Kwon Byeong-seok Reporter