HD Hyundai signs global partnership for maritime transportation of hydrogen

A rendered image of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering's large liquefied hydrogen carrier / Courtesy of HD Hyundai

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea’s Hyundai Glovis, Australia’s Woodside Energy and Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to develop a value chain for the maritime transportation of liquefied hydrogen, the HD Hyundai subsidiary said Wednesday.

In 2022, the shipbuilder joined hands with the Korean logistics company and the Australian energy firm to study the international trade environment and ship operations related to maritime transport of liquefied hydrogen. Considering MOL’s decades-long experience in the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Japanese shipping company’s recent decision to join the project is expected to upgrade the overall global transportation of hydrogen.

The four companies seek to develop safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies by 2030 to better transport hydrogen by sea.

HD KSOE will develop a large liquefied carrier by 2030, as it was recognized in 2022 for developing Korea’s first hybrid engine that uses LNG and hydrogen. The company also received approval in principle from DNV last year for developing a proprietary hydrogen system for large liquefied hydrogen carriers.

Woodside Energy will pioneer the market for liquefied hydrogen. It has continuously made efforts in the global energy supply chain, including a non-binding heads of agreement signed last year with Singapore’s Keppel Data Centres to supply liquefied hydrogen.

Hyundai Glovis and MOL will be in charge of reviewing the feasibility of operating a liquefied hydrogen carrier.

“HD KSOE will be fulfilling its role as a frontrunner in the liquid hydrogen shipping supply chain with its technological competence and years-long experience in building gas carriers,” HD KSOE Chief Technology Officer Chang Kwang-pil said. “This collaboration will be important in many aspects as it will not only be a chance to develop technologies but also discover actual business opportunities going forward.”