Samsung SDS Explores Quantum Algorithms to Enhance Maritime Logistics Through Smart Shipping Pilot

Samsung SDS Pilots Quantum-Inspired Optimization for Container Shipping

As South Korea continues investing in fourth industrial revolution technologies, Samsung SDS—the IT services and logistics division of Samsung—launched a smart shipping pilot in July 2017 that leverages quantum-inspired algorithms to tackle long-standing challenges in maritime logistics.

The initiative focuses on optimizing dynamic container allocations, route selection, and port entry scheduling across major trade lanes in Asia-Pacific, particularly routes connecting Busan, Shanghai, and Singapore. Samsung SDS collaborated with Korean maritime tech startups and academic partners from KAIST to simulate quantum-enhanced optimization strategies, setting the groundwork for future hybrid computing models.

Addressing the Complexity of Modern Maritime Freight

Maritime freight is notoriously complex due to the variable nature of ocean routes, weather, customs delays, and container inventory. As the volume of global trade rises, inefficiencies in berth assignment, fuel usage, and idle time cost the industry billions annually.

Samsung SDS’ Quantum Logistics Pilot seeks to reduce:

• Port congestion through predictive berth scheduling

• Empty container repositioning costs via smarter allocation

• Fuel consumption with optimized shipping lanes

"We are not using true quantum hardware yet," said Dr. Kim Joo-hyung, project lead at Samsung SDS. "But by using quantum-inspired algorithms from D-Wave’s hybrid solver framework and customized simulation models, we are able to approximate solutions to complex logistics problems faster than classical heuristics."

Quantum-Inspired Optimization: Bridging Now and Next

The pilot leveraged D-Wave’s hybrid solvers running on GPU-accelerated cloud infrastructure to process data from thousands of route permutations and container scenarios. The approach allowed Samsung SDS to generate near-optimal outcomes for real-time route planning within seconds—an operation that would take classical solvers much longer under real-time constraints.

Additionally, the system integrated classical AI models trained on historical maritime data to dynamically re-calculate schedules when unpredictable factors like typhoons or customs hold-ups emerged.

According to the company, this effort saved an average of 8–12% in estimated fuel and port time for simulated shipping routes over a 30-day period.

South Korea’s Quantum Supply Chain Roadmap

Samsung SDS’s initiative aligns with the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT’s broader roadmap to develop quantum capabilities for national security, industrial competitiveness, and smart infrastructure.

In early 2017, the Korean government earmarked ₩44 billion (approx. $39 million) to support early-stage quantum research and application pilots across telecommunications and logistics. This pilot adds to Korea’s efforts to position itself as a logistics tech leader in the Asia-Pacific region, where quantum-readiness is becoming a competitive differentiator.

The Ministry issued a joint statement praising the project as "a milestone that demonstrates how Korean companies can lead applied quantum logistics innovation even before general-purpose quantum computers arrive."

Smart Ports and Maritime AI Integration

The Samsung SDS pilot coincides with ongoing modernization efforts at the Port of Busan, which is upgrading its terminals with 5G, autonomous cranes, and digital twin platforms. The goal is to create a fully digitized port environment where AI, IoT, and quantum optimization layers operate in tandem.

Port authorities from Singapore and Japan have reportedly expressed interest in observing results from the SDS pilot to explore regional interoperability, especially as regional trade pacts like RCEP reshape logistics corridors.

Industry Implications and Strategic Positioning

With Maersk and IBM leading efforts on blockchain for shipping and Chinese ports deploying AI-powered automation, Samsung SDS’s quantum-optimization trial provides a glimpse into how quantum computing will soon intersect with maritime freight management.

Logistics giants including NYK Line, COSCO, and CMA CGM are also reportedly evaluating quantum simulation tools for routing, container stacking, and fuel usage projections, though few have gone public with results.

"We’re watching Samsung’s progress closely," said Yusuke Takahashi, logistics R&D lead at Mitsubishi Corporation. "Quantum-enhanced optimization is one of the only viable answers to the growing density and unpredictability of global shipping routes."

A Stepping Stone Toward Quantum-Enabled Freight

While true quantum advantage in logistics is still several years away, pilots like Samsung SDS’s demonstrate that quantum-inspired techniques can already drive measurable efficiencies. These efforts also help firms build internal capabilities and validate partnerships with hardware and algorithm vendors like D-Wave, Xanadu, and Fujitsu.

SDS plans to expand the scope of the pilot to include reefer logistics and intermodal connections by mid-2018, and is reportedly in talks with partners in Vietnam and Malaysia.

Conclusion

Samsung SDS’s July 2017 pilot reveals a strategic pivot toward quantum-enhanced maritime logistics. Through quantum-inspired optimization techniques, the company not only improved container operations and reduced emissions but also positioned South Korea as a regional leader in logistics tech innovation. As quantum computing matures, initiatives like this lay the groundwork for a new era of data-driven, resilient, and efficient global shipping networks.