TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan International Shipbuilding Co. and US-based Havoc signed an agreement on Thursday to develop autonomous surface vessels.
The shipbuilder visited the US drone software firm in Rhode Island. It said that the ships will be built and maintained in Taiwan, while Havoc provides the operating software.
CSBC Chair Chen Jeng-horng (陳政宏) said the partnership combines its design, production, and upkeep with Havoc’s technology. He added that the cooperation will strengthen domestic drone vessel production and non-Chinese logistics by sourcing from local suppliers.
Havoc co-founder and CEO Paul Lwin said the partnership complements its software with local carriers and workforce. He noted that the cooperation complies with Section 1266 of the National Defense Authorization Act, which describes joint development of drone systems with Taiwan.
CSBC said the cooperation also supports defense self-reliance and domestic drone development. It said both will also explore other opportunities to improve maritime operations.
CSBC was renamed to Taiwan International Shipbuilding Corporation on March 1, 2007, to avoid confusion with shipbuilding companies in China. It kept the abbreviation as part of its heritage.
Havoc's technology is used by sea, air, and ground defense platforms. Information is shared between carriers, allowing them to adapt and remain operational when communications are disrupted or jammed.
