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A year of progress: Seoul’s Future Ship Safety Centre delivers global impact

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A group of attendees wearing ID badges standing in an ornate hall with "LORD" and "WONDERS IN THE DEEP" inscribed above.
It has been a whole year since the launch of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Centre for the Safety of Future Ship at Seoul National University. Established in September 2024 to advance maritime safety through innovation and global collaboration, the Centre has made strong progress in its first year, delivering a series of impactful milestones.

Navigating the future

Seven research projects were launched under the themes of decarbonisation and digitalisation, carried out by three universities in collaboration with a Japanese company and a Norwegian company. This global team has fostered strong international engagement, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to cross-border knowledge exchange and practical impact.

By July 2025, the Centre had produced 20 peer-reviewed outputs, including 11 journal papers and 9 conference papers. These contributions are helping drive the international debate on future ship safety and sustainable maritime technologies.

Three major shipbuilding companies have joined the collaborative research projects, building on the Foundation’s support to deepen the connection between academia and industry. The Centre also hosted the 9th CEO Forum for the Korean marine industry, bringing together leaders from shipbuilding and related sectors. Nick Brown, Chief Executive, Lloyd’s Register , participated in this high-profile networking event, underscoring the Centre’s strategic importance.

Talent development has been a core focus. Five students completed internships at the Lloyd's Register Global Technology Centre and the University of Strathclyde. In addition, ten participants - including eight young researchers and students - visited organisations in the United Kingdom, deepening international collaboration and building future capacity. As part of their visit, they also took part in a heritage tour of the Lloyd’s Register Building, connecting past and future through the Foundation’s legacy in maritime safety.

Equity and inclusion have also been central to the Centre’s activities. Seven “Women in Engineering” events were held at Seoul National University and HD Hyundai shipyards, with support provided to female student clubs. The Centre launched the Young Waves programme at the International Workshop on Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics, with around 100 students expected to participate in future networking activities.

A special session on the Safety of Future Ships was convened during the ISOPE 2025 conference, where eight presentations were delivered by the Centre’s researchers. These early contributions to international knowledge sharing highlight the Centre’s growing role in shaping the future of maritime safety.

In its first year, the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Centre for the Safety of Future Ships has demonstrated how strategic investment, global collaboration, and inclusive engagement can accelerate progress toward safer, more sustainable shipping. As it enters its second year, the Centre continues to chart a bold course — one that places safety, innovation, and equity at the heart of maritime transformation.

A group of attendees with lanyards gathered in a library-like setting, watching a person with a book.
Students from SNU visit the Lloyd's Register Building in London.

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