The Marine and Ocean Engineering (MO) programme at EKC 2026 brings together international experts from academia, industry, and government to address the profound structural transformations in the maritime sector. Aligned with the conference theme, “AI-Driven Future of Science and Technology,” the programme features six distinct yet interconnected sessions that explore the convergence of artificial intelligence, decarbonization, and advanced engineering.
The programme opens with the EKMOA-SNAK Joint Session, which frames AI not merely as a tool but as a systemic integrator across the ship lifecycle. This session focuses on smart and sustainable ship design, utilizing digital twins and multi-objective optimization to balance performance, safety, and carbon reduction goals. This theme of intelligence is extended in the KIMST-EKMOA Joint Session, which delves into the autonomous maritime future. Here, the discussion centers on autonomous decision-making, real-time situational awareness, and the rigorous verification necessary to ensure trustworthy AI in safety-critical operations.
Technological shifts in propulsion and energy management are addressed through two specialized sessions. The KEIT-EKMOA Joint Session explores AI-driven electric and hybrid propulsion technologies, bringing together expertise from KOMERI, Withbeer, and KMOU to advance energy storage and power management systems. Similarly, the EKMOA-HDERC Session highlights the role of AI in intelligent ship energy management, specifically for complex multi-fuel and hybrid configurations, aiming to optimize energy flows and reduce lifecycle costs through smart vessel infrastructure.
The programme also maintains a strong focus on physical reliability and practical implementation. The LR-EKMOA Joint Session emphasizes that Marine Hydrodynamics remains fundamental to a safer world. It explores how advanced numerical modelling and onboard monitoring can predict complex phenomena like slamming and hydroelasticity, which are critical for the safety of ultra-large container ships and vessels using alternative fuels.
Finally, the EKMOA-KRISO Joint Session bridges the gap between theory and reality by focusing on Maritime Decarbonization in Practice. This session highlights the use of real ship testbeds to verify green technologies, such as Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) and Small Modular Reactors (SMR), while navigating the regulatory landscape of IMO mid-term measures.
Together, these sessions underscore the strategic importance of the Europe-Korea partnership. By integrating AI-driven innovation with rigorous engineering and practical demonstration, the EKC 2026 MO programme aims to shape a resilient, competitive, and sustainable maritime future.
Dr. Hayoung Jang is a Research Associate specializing in marine environmental and safety assessment, with a particular focus on the technical evaluation of future marine systems. Prior to his current academic role, he gained extensive industry experience at Haeyoung Maritime Services, where he was responsible for technical ship management and operational safety, ensuring vessel compliance with international maritime standards. His technical expertise includes the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) specifically for safety simulations, such as the dispersion behavior of hydrogen and ammonia fuel leaks on board vessels.
His research methodology involves deconstructing complex engineering challenges into manageable steps, with a primary focus on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for marine power sources and retrofitting activities. By combining his practical background in ship operations with advanced numerical modeling for gas safety, he provides a comprehensive approach to developing sustainable and secure maritime technologies. Furthermore, he is an active leader in the international research community, presently serving as both the General Director and the Academic Director of the Europe-Korea Marine and Ocean Engineers Association (EKMOA).
Dr. Bae Jun Kwon is a Principal Approval Engineer at DNV, based at the company’s headquarters in Norway, specializing in maritime stability and ship classification, with over 25 years of experience in ship design and classification. He is responsible for complex intact and damage stability assessments and regulatory approval of a wide range of vessel types, including offshore units, passenger vessels, and large commercial ships.
Prior to joining DNV, he worked at a shipyard in Korea, where he was involved in ship design and developed practical insight into ship construction and operational processes.
His technical expertise lies in advanced stability verification and approval methodologies, supported by strong theoretical foundations and sound engineering judgement. He has contributed to the development and global implementation of structured stability verification frameworks, enabling independent and systematic validation of stability calculations and improving consistency, technical robustness, and efficiency in approval processes.
In parallel, his recent work focuses on advancing digital approval practices and integrating AI-assisted approaches into engineering workflows to enhance both efficiency and reliability. His academic research centers on lifecycle decarbonisation in shipbuilding, addressing material-related emissions and regulatory implications under frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, and CBAM.
He currently serves as President of the European Korean Marine & Ocean Engineers Association (EKMOA), where he promotes international collaboration and strengthens technical exchange between Europe and Korea in the maritime sector.
