Samsung Heavy Industries has opened a remote operation centre at the Taipei headquarters of Taiwan's Evergreen Group, reports Saint Petersburg's PortNews. The Samsung Remote Operation Centre acts as a land-based control tower monitoring vessel data and equipment status in real time to improve inspections and maintenance.

Evergreen plans to expand the number of ships connected to the centre. Samsung Heavy said the hub is the first of its kind created through direct collaboration between a shipbuilder and shipper, reflecting the companies' long-standing partnership.

Earlier this year, Samsung Heavy tested its monitoring technology by fitting autonomous navigation systems on Evergreen containerships sailing the 10,000-kilometre route between Oakland, California and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

The two firms also agreed to develop remote inspection technology and prepare for autonomous vessels operated from shore. Choi Jong-woong, head of Samsung Heavy's autonomous navigation centre, said the hub will support safe ship operations and emergency response, helping Korea's shipbuilding industry lead global standards.

Samsung Heavy is based in Geoje, South Korea, and specialises in commercial vessels, offshore facilities and marine engineering, with research in maritime automation and energy-related structures. Evergreen Group, headquartered in Taipei, runs shipping, aviation and logistics businesses, managing a global maritime network through its affiliates.