HD Hyundai and A.P. Moller-Maersk have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on decarbonization solutions for vessels. HD Hyundai also plans to expand its use of Maersk’s integrated logistics services across airfreight, land transportation and warehousing.
Maersk has delivered 19 methanol-powered container ships to HD Hyundai since 2021. Last year, the company delivered what it said was the world’s first methanol-powered ultra-large container ship.
In this agreement, the two companies will conduct a six-month trial to validate the impacts of optimized navigation systems on fuel-saving and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-reduction. The companies also plan to explore cooperation on ship retrofitting for decarbonization, including optimizing engine efficiency, increasing container ship cargo capacity, and retrofitting dual-fuel propulsion systems.
To do so they will apply HD Hyundai Marine Solution’s OCEANWISE route optimization and Avikus’ HiNAS–an advanced navigation solution for energy-efficient vessel operations–on a Maersk container vessel built and delivered by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
They will also collaborate to research the feasibility of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system.
“Our collaboration with Maersk will serve as a leading example of innovation in the global logistics market by combining decarbonisation shipping technologies with integrated logistics networks,” said Chung Kisun, HD Hyundai. “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.”
As part of the agreement, HD Hyundai will expand ocean freight volumes supported by Maersk’s East-West network and using Maersk across its integrated logistics solutions.
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.
“Our partnership with HD Hyundai has been built over decades, founded on mutual trust and respect,” said Robert Maersk Uggla A.P. Moller-Maersk. “This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone, reinforcing the strong relationship we have developed and paving the way for even greater collaboration in the future.”
