HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. (HD KSOE), South Korea’s premier shipbuilding entity, has announced a collaborative venture with global leaders in the energy and shipping sectors to create a novel liquid hydrogen transportation vessel. This initiative marks a significant step toward the establishment of a sustainable, low-carbon energy supply chain across Asia and beyond.
The consortium, which includes Hyundai Motor Group’s logistics arm Hyundai Glovis, Australia’s Woodside Energy Group Ltd., and Japanese maritime company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL), has signed a non-binding agreement focusing on the technological, safety, and operational aspects of developing a liquid hydrogen carrier with an 80,000 cubic meter capacity. Targeting a 2030 operational start, this project underscores the industry’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions.
HD KSOE, a subsidiary under HD Hyundai Co., brings to the table its expertise in shipbuilding, highlighted by its development of Korea’s first LNG-hydrogen hybrid engine in 2022 and receiving approval in principle for its liquid hydrogen carrier design from DNV, a renowned classification society.
Woodside Energy is set to enhance the global liquid hydrogen supply chain, building on its agreement with Singapore’s Keppel Data Centres to explore hydrogen supply opportunities. Hyundai Glovis and MOL will leverage their shipping prowess to assess the technical and operational feasibility of the envisioned liquid hydrogen carrier.
This collaboration aims not only to pioneer the transport of liquid hydrogen but also to fortify maritime value chains for this promising energy source. By joining forces, HD KSOE and its partners are positioning themselves at the forefront of the hydrogen transport industry, promising to deliver innovative solutions for a more sustainable global energy landscape.
