South Korean shipbuilding conglomerate HD Hyundai has partnered with UK energy major Shell to work on the development of large liquefied hydrogen (LH2) carriers.
As informed, HD Hyundai’s units HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) signed a joint development agreement with Shell at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center.
Under the agreement, the partners plan to jointly develop large liquefied hydrogen carriers with the goal of commercializing their production in 2030.
HD KSOE will use its knowledge to research and develop core technologies such as large liquefied hydrogen tanks and hydrogen cargo operation systems. Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is responsible for the development of hydrogen engines and the design of liquefied hydrogen carriers.
Shell plans to share its know-how in developing related technology and operating a carrier. The company will also review the feasibility of designing a liquefied hydrogen carrier.
The liquefied hydrogen maritime transportation market is expected to gain momentum in the future. According to global market research firm Statista, the hydrogen transportation market, including ships and pipelines, is expected to reach approximately USD 566bn in 2050.
