Hyundai Partners with HD Korea and Pusan University to Develop Key Tech for Liquified Hydrogen Carriers

Hyundai Motor Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-develop a maritime fuel cell system with shipbuilders HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), along with Pusan National University (PNU), to develop and integrate key technologies for liquefied hydrogen carriers (LH2Cs).

The partnership lays the groundwork for Hyundai Motor to expand beyond automobiles into new sectors. The consortium will co-develop key technologies for liquefied hydrogen carriers, with a shared focus on sustainability and innovation.

“This collaboration marks an important first step toward achieving carbon neutrality and expanding a sustainable global maritime industry. By combining Hyundai Motor Company’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering’s expertise in shipbuilding and maritime sectors, and Pusan National University’s research capabilities in hydrogen-powered vessels, we aim to set a new standard for future marine mobility,” said Ken Ramírez, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Energy and Hydrogen Business Division.

The partners did not specify how the hydrogen would be produced, although in 2021, Hyundai announced a collaboration with Next Hydrogen Corporation to jointly develop an alkaline water electrolysis system and boost cost-effective production of green hydrogen.

According to a study on Hydrogen Production Methods for Maritime Applications, hydrogen for maritime applications is classified according to its production methods and environmental impact. The carbon footprint of each significantly impacts its efficacy in decarbonizing the maritime sector. Some of the leading methods include:

• Brown and black hydrogen produced using coal. The carbon footprint of this method is significant.
• Gray hydrogen, which accounts for more than 95% of global hydrogen generation, emits huge amounts of CO2. It is generally produced when methane interacts with steam at high temperatures to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
• Blue hydrogen is made by the same process, but includes carbon capture and storage (CCS). The carbon footprint depends on factors such as natural gas transportation distance and methane leakage. Some studies suggest that blue hydrogen’s emissions may be only 9–12% lower than gray hydrogen and potentially higher than directly burning natural gas.
• Turquoise hydrogen is made when methane is broken down into hydrogen and solid carbon. The carbon intensity is 88.3–90.8% lower than gray hydrogen.
• Green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis–breaking water down into hydrogen and oxygen–using wind, solar, and hydropower. It is the most environmentally sustainable approach to hydrogen production with almost no emissions.

Under the MoU, the consortium will develop and demonstrate a maritime fuel cell system for mid- to large-scale liquefied hydrogen carriers. The key development goals include:

• Hyundai Motor Company plans to develop a fuel cell system optimized for marine applications based on its existing fuel cell technology.
• HD KSOE will carry out the integrated design of a hybrid electric propulsion system consisting of a hydrogen dual fuel engine and Hyundai Motor Company’s maritime hydrogen fuel cell.
• PNU will conduct evaluation and demonstration of the system designed by HD KSOE.

The goal of this collaboration is to develop propulsion systems for the future shipping market that aligns with the carbon reduction targets set by the IMO.

By collaborating with HD KSOE, one of the world’s top shipbuilders, Hyundai hopes to establish a technical foundation for the maritime fuel cell system; gain valuable market references through mid- to large-scale projects; and strengthen its position in the burgeoning hydrogen economy.