HD Hyundai announced on the 26th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of maritime decarbonization technology based on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC).
Three affiliates are participating from HD Hyundai: HD Hydrogen, which specializes in fuel cells and electrolysis; and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries from the shipbuilding sector.
The MOU signing ceremony was held at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, with attendees including O Seung-hwan, executive director of HD Hydrogen; Jeong Jae-jun, executive director of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries; Park Sang-min, executive director of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering; Kim Min-kang, executive director of HMM; and Lee Young-seok, vice president of KR.
This MOU aims to develop net-zero solutions in the shipping sector, starting with the development of carbon-reducing container ships equipped with eco-friendly, high-efficiency SOFCs, as well as ammonia SOFCs and carbon capture systems.
HD Hyundai will develop carbon-reducing container ships based on its SOFCs. KR will perform verification and certification of the vessels, and HMM will provide the necessary ship environment during the development process and deploy a demonstration vessel after completion to validate the SOFC system under real conditions.
SOFC is a fuel cell that produces electricity and heat using a solid oxide as an electrolyte. It can utilize various fuels such as natural gas, biogas, and hydrogen, and its high electrical efficiency can reduce carbon emissions.
A representative of HD Hydrogen noted, "Recently, in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) resolution to impose a carbon tax, the demand for carbon neutrality in the shipping sector is expanding globally," adding, "This MOU will be the first step for SOFC to enter the shipping market."