South Korean shipbuilding group HD Hyundai Group is commercializing solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology for ships and ports, with a view to decarbonizing the shipping industry.
Recently, three subsidiaries of HD Hyundai, including HD Hydrogen, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Korean Register (KR) to develop SOFC-based zero-carbon shipping technology.
According to the agreement, the partners will first develop carbon-reducing container ships equipped with environmentally friendly and efficient SOFCs, and will then further promote the research and development of net-zero emission (Net-Zero) solutions in the shipping field, such as ammonia SOFCs and carbon capture systems.
Specifically, HD KSOE and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will jointly develop a carbon-reducing container ship based on HD Hydrogen’s SOFC, and KR will be responsible for verification and certification. HMM will provide the ship environment required during the development process and put it into a demonstration ship after development is completed to verify SOFC under real conditions.
SOFC is a fuel cell that uses solid oxide as an electrolyte to generate electricity and heat. This type of fuel cell can use a variety of fuels such as natural gas, biogas, and hydrogen, and has high power efficiency. Compared with traditional fossil fuel power generation, it can reduce carbon emissions and is therefore regarded as a core technology for decarbonizing ships.
A person in charge of HD Hydrogen said: “With the resolution of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the imposition of carbon tax, the demand for carbon neutrality in the global shipping sector is expanding. With the company’s accumulated technical strength and experience, SOFC, as an environmentally friendly and efficient power generation equipment, will take the first step into the shipping market.”
On the other hand, since establishing its Fuel Cell Research Institute and launching SOFC research and development in 2018, HD Hyundai established HD Hydrogen, a subsidiary specializing in hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis technology, in 2024 to formally promote its specialized business.