▶ To collaborate on advanced ship operations and decarbonization retrofit solutions, and conduct joint research on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell(SOFC) systems
▶ Will expand Maersk’s integrated logistics services and strengthen global supply chains for affiliated companies
▶ Chung Kisun, “We will work on technological advancements to build a sustainable maritime logistics network.”

HD Hyundai announced on Tuesday, May 6, that it recently had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the global shipping and logistics giant A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) to establish a comprehensive partnership in the fields of decarbonized shipping technology development and global integrated logistics services.

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 won 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 decarbonization of shipbuilding and shipping industry.

Through this MOU, Maersk will apply HD Hyundai's cutting-edge ship decarbonization technologies to its fleet to reduce carbon emissions, while HD Hyundai will apply Maersk’s integrated logistics services at a broader level across its subsidiaries to strengthen the global supply chain.

Initially, the two companies will apply an advanced navigation solution “HiNAS”, developed by Avikus, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, and an AI-based decarbonization and economic operation solution "OCEANWISE", developed by HD Hyundai Marine Solutions, to the Maersk container ships built and delivered by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. They will then conduct a six-month pilot operation to verify the fuel savings and carbon reduction effects of the advanced navigation solution.

They further plan to explore cooperation in the field of ship retrofitting for decarbonization, including optimizing engine efficiency, increasing container ship cargo capacity, and retrofitting dual-fuel propulsion systems and will also assess the feasibility of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system with the recently established HD Hydrogen.

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 utilizing 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.

Chung Kisun of HD Hyundai stated, "Our collaboration with Maersk will serve as a leading example of innovation in the global logistics market by combining decarbonization 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."