On Tuesday, 6th of May 2025, HD Hyundai and A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaboration on decarbonisation solutions for vessels, while HD Hyundai plans to expand the use of Maersk’s integrated logistics services across its affiliates.

The signing ceremony, held at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center (GRC) in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, was attended by key figures including HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Kisun and Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla, along with other relevant officials.

Since 2021, HD Hyundai has received orders for a total of 19 methanol-powered container ships from Maersk. Last year, the company successfully delivered the world’s first methanol-powered ultra-large container ship, continuing its collaboration with Maersk in the field of decarbonisation of shipbuilding and shipping industry.

Initially, the two companies will conduct a six-month trial applying Avikus’ HiNAS, an advanced navigation solution for energy-efficient vessel operations, and HD Hyundai Marine Solution’s OCEANWISE route optimisation on a Maersk container vessel built and delivered by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The purpose of this trial is to validate the fuel-saving and greenhouse gas emission-reduction impacts of optimised navigation systems. They further plan to explore cooperation in the field of ship retrofitting for decarbonisation, including optimising engine efficiency, increasing container ship cargo capacity, and retrofitting dual-fuel propulsion systems and will also collaborate on joint research to examine the feasibility of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system.

Moreover, HD Hyundai will strengthen its global supply chain by leveraging Maersk’s integrated logistics services. This includes expanding ocean freight volumes supported by Maersk’s East-West network and utilising Maersk’s capabilities across airfreight services and land transportation, as well as warehousing infrastructure.

The initial phase of the partnership will focus on providing tailored logistics solutions for HD Hyundai’s affiliates including HD Hyundai XiteSolution, and HD Hyundai Marine Solution and will be gradually rolled out across other affiliates further enhancing the stability and agility of the company’s global supply chain.

‘’Our collaboration with Maersk will serve as a leading example of innovation in the global logistics market by combining decarbonisation shipping technologies with integrated logistics networks.” He added, “We will rapidly advance the world’s best shipbuilding technologies with the goal of building a sustainable maritime logistics network that ensures safety, low-emissions, and optimal efficiency. ‘’

Chung Kisun, HD Hyundai

‘’Our partnership with HD Hyundai has been built over decades, founded on mutual trust and respect. This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone, reinforcing the strong relationship we have developed and paving the way for even greater collaboration in the future. ‘’

Robert Maersk Uggla, A.P. Moller – Maersk

Highlights of the Memorandum of Understanding:

• To collaborate on advanced navigation and decarbonisation retrofit solutions, and conduct joint research on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems
• Expansion of Maersk’s Integrated Logistics Offerings to HD Hyundai’s affiliated companies
• Chung Kisun, “We will work on technological advancements to build a sustainable maritime logistics network.”
• Robert Maersk Uggla, “This MOU marks an important milestone, reinforcing the strong relationship we have developed.”
  Source: Maersk