HD Korea’s Pioneering Hydrogen System
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, along with its subsidiaries HD Hyundai Heavy Industry and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, have reached a remarkable milestone in green energy shipping. The trio has achieved Approval in Principle (AIP) from class society DNV for a pioneering hydrogen system designed for a liquified hydrogen carrier. This innovative system incorporates a hybrid propulsion mechanism using boil-off gas from hydrogen transport. It uses hydrogen dual-fuel engines fused with fuel cells, propelling the boundaries of maritime technology.
HD Korea’s Vision for 2030
HD Korea’s vision is formidable: to finalize the development of large-capacity hydrogen transportation and storage technology by around 2030. Hydrogen, when produced sustainably, has emerged as a crucial component of a global transition to cleaner energy sources. However, transporting hydrogen via sea on a large scale poses significant challenges. This includes the technical intricacy of storing hydrogen at sub-zero temperatures (minus 253 degrees Celsius), which is 100 degrees colder than LNG.
Vital Role of Shipping Industries
According to DNV, unlocking solutions to these challenges is of utmost significance as the shipping industry has a pivotal role in harnessing the potential of hydrogen. Its use can potentially transform heavy carbon-producing industries like steel and cement, making them more environmentally sustainable.
Partnerships and Future Prospects
HD KSOE, in collaboration with partners including Woodside and Linde Engineering, aims to explore novel hydrogen transportation and storage solutions. They have a lofty commercialisation target for these new technologies by the year 2030. “We are continuously developing world-class technology in liquefied hydrogen following our achievements in methanol, ammonia, and CO2 carriers,” said Sungjun Kim, CTO at HD KSOE. The development of this innovative hydrogen system is anticipated to fast-track the evolution of the hydrogen shipping value chain.
Celebrating Past Achievements
Sometime back, HD KSOE received approval for a cutting-edge design from Lloyd’s Register and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry for the development of the world’s first 22,000 cu m multi-gas carrier. This carrier, capable of handling liquified carbon dioxide, liquid petroleum gas, ammonia, and vinyl chloride monomer, introduces a novel type of steel into its tanks, enhancing the efficiency of the carbon capture and storage value chain. All these milestones place HD KSOE at the forefront of green shipping technology, transforming the industry into a more sustainable enterprise that could revolutionize the global energy landscape.
