HD Hyundai is set to achieve zero carbon emissions in the shipping sector through the commercialization of solid oxide fuel cell  technology for ships and ports.

HD Hyundai announced on June 26 that three of its affiliates — HD Hydrogen, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries — have signed a memorandum of understanding  with HMM and Korean Register for the development of SOFC-based zero-carbon technology in shipping.

The signing ceremony was attended by Oh Seung-hwan, managing director of HD Hydrogen, Jung Jae-jun, executive director of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Park Sang-min, managing director of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Kim Min-gang, managing director of HMM, and Lee Young-seok, vice president of Korean Register.

This agreement aims to develop net-zero solutions for the shipping industry, starting with the development of a carbon-reducing container ship equipped with eco-friendly, high-efficiency SOFC, and further developing ammonia SOFC and carbon capture systems. Based on HD Hydrogen’s SOFC, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will develop a carbon-reducing container ship, while Korean Register will conduct verification and certification. HMM will provide the necessary ship environment for the development process and deploy a demonstration ship to verify the SOFC system under actual conditions after development is completed.

SOFC is a fuel cell that produces electricity and heat using solid oxide as an electrolyte. It can use various fuels such as natural gas, biogas, and hydrogen, and has high electrical efficiency, enabling reduced carbon emissions compared to conventional fossil fuel generation methods. It is gaining attention as a key technology for ship decarbonization.

An HD Hydrogen official said, “With the recent resolution of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to impose a carbon tax, the demand for carbon neutrality in the shipping sector is expanding globally,” adding, “Based on HD Hydrogen’s accumulated technology and know-how, the eco-friendly, high-efficiency power generation equipment SOFC will be the first step into the shipping market.”

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai started developing SOFC systems at its fuel cell research institute established in 2018, and in 2024, it established HD Hydrogen, a subsidiary specializing in hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis, to pursue specialized business. HD Hydrogen plans to expand its product lineup through the completion of its SOFC production plant in Pyeongtaek in the second half of this year.

Source:Business Korea