On February 7, 2017, PanStar Group, Korea's first national cruise operator, announced the launch of the PanStar Smart Ship System, the country’s first IoT-based smart ship system. This innovative service is being implemented on the PanStar Dream cruise ship, which operates between Busan and Osaka.

The PanStar Smart Ship System was developed collaboratively by People and Technology Co., Ltd., Inition, and PanStar Group under the leadership of Director Kim Bo-jung. This project is part of the Global Smart City Testbed Initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and Busan City.

Features of the PanStar Smart Ship System

The PanStar Smart Ship System leverages IoT technology to offer passengers enhanced convenience and safety through the PanStar Smart Ship Application. Key features include:

• Indoor Navigation: Real-time wayfinding to prevent passengers from getting lost on board.
• Facility Guidance: Information on the location of convenience facilities and services.
• Program and Menu Updates: Notifications about onboard performances, dining menus, and schedules.
• Safety Guidance: Automatic alerts for safety rules, emergency evacuation routes, and step-by-step instructions for using life jackets and fire extinguishers.

By simply installing the app, passengers can access almost all onboard information, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable cruise experience.

A First for IoT on Passenger Ships

While IoT technology has been applied to department stores and factories, this is the first time it has been implemented on a passenger cruise ship in Korea. The industry anticipates that this groundbreaking development will set a new standard for passenger safety and customer service in the maritime sector.

Global Context and Recognition

The integration of IoT and AI into cruise ships has gained worldwide attention. At the CES 2017 exhibition in Las Vegas, Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation, highlighted how IoT technology can enhance the customer experience on cruise ships. Similarly, the PanStar Smart Ship System aligns with these global trends by offering innovative and convenient services to passengers.

A Collaborative Effort in IoT Innovation

Director Kim Bo-jung of PanStar Group expressed his gratitude for the support from the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning, as well as the collaboration with People and Technology and Inition, stating:

"We are proud to be the first in Korea to develop this groundbreaking technology that enhances passenger safety and convenience. Moving forward, we will continue to apply the latest IT technologies to ships and logistics operations, leading the fourth industrial revolution in the maritime industry."

About the Companies Behind the Innovation

• PanStar Group: A comprehensive shipping and logistics group, PanStar operates over 10 subsidiaries, including PanStar Line.com, PanStar Enterprise (a KOSDAQ-listed company), and PanStar Logistics Center. It launched Korea’s first national cruise ship, the PanStar Honey, in 2008 and has been a pioneer in the cruise industry ever since.

• People and Technology Co., Ltd.: A leader in IoT technology, People and Technology developed the IndoorPlus+ solution, which boasts the highest number of deployments in Korea.

• Inition: Specializes in developing intuitive user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) for IoT applications, enabling seamless and accessible technology for end users.

The PanStar Smart Ship System is a testament to the power of IoT technology in transforming the cruise experience, ensuring convenience and safety for passengers while setting a new standard for innovation in the maritime industry. This collaboration highlights Korea’s growing leadership in IoT and smart technology applications.