▶ HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Europe Research & Development Center, and HD Hydrogen signs Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement with European classification society and cruise operator ▶ Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system to offer both environmental and economic benefits by reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency ▶ Making it suitable for high-power-consuming cruise ships with low noise and vibration, enhancing competitiveness in the European market ▶ “We aim to lead global maritime decarbonization efforts with our high-efficiency, low-carbon fuel cell technology” HD Hyundai announced the development of fuel cell technology for cruise ships in line with the global decarbonization trend. HD Hyundai recently stated that its affiliates—HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Europe Research & Development Center, and HD Hydrogen— recently signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement with DNV, a leading global classification society, and TUI Cruises, one of Germany’s leading cruise operators. The project aims to explore the application of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems on cruise vessels. SOFC is a high-efficiency fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen—extracted from sources such as natural gas or ammonia—with oxygen. Since it produces electricity without combustion, it significantly reduces carbon and pollutant emissions. Compared to conventional engine-based power generation systems, SOFC offers superior efficiency, achieving both environmental sustainability and economic viability. It produces a low level of noise and vibration while providing high power generation efficiency, making it especially suitable for cruise ships that require large amounts of electricity. HD Hyundai plans to secure global competitiveness by developing SOFC technology applicable to cruise ships, with a focus on the European market—where environmental regulations are stringent and demand for such vessels is high. The market outlook is also promising. According to global market research firm Grand View Research, the global SOFC market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.7% through 2030, reaching approximately USD 7.12 billion (KRW 9.81 trillion), driven by increasing demand and investment in clean energy. As a first step, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and the HD Europe Research & Development Center will establish safety design standards for applying SOFC systems to cruise ships over an eight-month period from June this year to February next year. HD Hydrogen, an affiliate of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering specializing in hydrogen fuel cell technology, will analyze the performance of its proprietary SOFC systems under various operating conditions based on its core technical data. In addition, HD Hyundai will develop technologies to recover and reuse waste heat generated by SOFC systems, which operate at high temperatures ranging from 600°C to 1,000°C. The company also plans to explore solutions to partially reduce carbon emissions from SOFC systems by leveraging carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. As part of the project, DNV will support regulatory compliance and contribute to overall safety from the initial design onward. TUI Cruises will provide cruise ship specific data relevant to SOFC application, along with installation requirements and operational specifications necessary for actual deployment. A representative from HD Hyundai stated, “This international joint development project marks a significant milestone in demonstrating HD Hyundai’s world-class decarbonization technology for ships in the European market. We hope to lead the maritime decarbonization initiative through our low-carbon, high-efficiency fuel cell technology.” Meanwhile, HD Hyundai established HD Hydrogen last year as part of its effort to enter the hydrogen fuel cell market. The company is currently collaborating with various global shipping companies to expand the application of SOFC systems across multiple types of vessels.  

▶ Secured basic approval for high-pressure dual-fuel propulsion LNG cargo management system and collaborated with GTT on next-generation cargo hold development ▶ The first Korean shipbuilder to establish a strategic partnership with MMMCZCS, taking the lead in shaping international policies ▶ “HD Hyundai will lead maritime decarbonization through technological innovation and global cooperation” HD Hyundai is presenting its future vision for maritime decarbonization at the world’s largest maritime and offshore exhibition. HD Hyundai announced its participation in ‘Nor-Shipping 2025’, which takes place from Tuesday, June 3 to Friday, June 6 in Oslo, Norway. The event is expected to draw more than 800 companies from 47 countries and attract over 30,000 global attendees. Top executives from HD Hyundai, including Executive Vice Chairman Chung Kisun, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries CEO Lee Sang-kyun, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Head of Future Technology Institute Jang Kwang-pil, will attend to share the group’s future vision for the shipbuilding and marine industries. HD Hyundai will position its core theme for ‘Nor-Shipping 2025’ around establishing leadership in decarbonization technologies for the global shipbuilding and marine industries and plans to explore expanded collaboration opportunities with various organizations and institutions throughout the exhibition period. On Wednesday, June 4, HD Hyundai will receive Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the cargo handling and fuel systems of its independently developed next-generation high-pressure dual-fuel (ME-GI) LNG carrier. This system is designed to replace conventional cryogenic high-pressure compressors by compressing and re-supplying boil-off gas (BOG), thereby minimizing cargo loss and significantly enhancing operational efficiency and economic performance for shipowners. HD Hyundai will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the French engineering firm GTT to jointly develop a new trapezoidal-shaped membrane cargo tank. This next-generation tank structure is optimized for the vessel’s hull form, enabling efficient utilization of space all the way to the bow. The structure not only ensures cargo stability but also maximizes transportable volume, ultimately enhancing overall operational efficiency. HD Hyundai will also strengthen its collaboration with global classification societies to advance technology development. The company plans to jointly develop a hybrid LNG carrier equipped with a high-efficiency Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system in partnership with Lloyd’s Register (LR) of the UK. Under this collaboration, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will be responsible for developing the SOFC-based hybrid propulsion system and the basic design of the LNG carrier, while Lloyd’s Register will provide technical consulting support. HD Hyundai is also stepping up in policy advocacy for maritime decarbonization. As the first Korean shipbuilder to do so, the company will form a strategic partnership with the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS), a leading non-profit research institute driving the global shipping industry’s transition to net zero. MMMCZCS collaborates with over 90 global partners, including Maersk, to develop decarbonized fuel technologies. The center holds significant influence within the international maritime industry, playing a key role in shaping regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Through this partnership, HD Hyundai plans to actively participate in the development of international policies and regulatory frameworks for key decarbonization technologies, including ▲the transition to eco-friendly fuels and ▲the reduction of carbon emissions through maximized energy efficiency. An official from HD Hyundai state, “As the world’s leading shipbuilder, HD Hyundai is accelerating the development of next-generation eco-friendly ship technologies to maintain its technological edge. We will continue to drive maritime decarbonization through relentless innovation and expanded collaboration with global partners.”  

South Korea’s largest shipbuilder is Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). The company is presently constructing a destroyer for Korea’s navy that is much like our Aegis destroyers. However, HHI is doing so at less than half the cost and in far less time than the U.S. does. This destroyer is loaded with American parts and technology. As an HHI executive told the Wall Street Journal, “This is basically a U.S. warship.” (See original article below) Making Our Navy Supreme Again