Future of Korea's Ship Power ②HD Hyundai, Wide

*This content was translated by AI.

HD Hyundai, which is full of pride as "Descendants of Jang Bo-go" and the best in the world, is making various attempts on future power like No. 1.

HD Hyundai is making all-out efforts to advance Sale technology with auxiliary power as well as ammonia, SMR, and hydrogen-powered ships. In order to preemptively respond to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) tightening of carbon emission regulations, the transition of power sources for ships is being promoted.

Ammonia propulsion ship

HD Hyundai is developing engines and building commercial ships, focusing on ships applied with ammonia, a next-generation eco-friendly ship fuel. Ammonia is a fuel that does not emit carbon dioxide during combustion, and it is attracting attention in that it can implement carbon-free ships.

In June 2024, 'Posidonia 2024' obtained basic certification (AIP) from UK Lloyds Class (LR) and US Class (ABS) for ammonia-fuel cell-based, carbon-free electric propulsion systems and ammonia transporter (VLAC) with engine replacement technology for power generation. In addition, in October 2024, it developed the world's first high-pressure direct injection ammonia dual fuel engine that can be applied to both ship propulsion and power generation and received basic certification (AIP) from seven major classification companies. In addition, HD Hyundai succeeded in winning an order for an actual ammonia-powered ship. In December 2024, it began construction of the world's first medium-sized ammonia propulsion ship.

SMR-based nuclear propulsion ship

HD Hyundai is considering small module reactor (SMR)-based nuclear power propulsion technology as a candidate for carbon-free ship power source from a long-term perspective.

HD Hyundai invested $30 million in TerraPower, a next-generation nuclear reactor innovation company, in November 2022 and began to secure SMR-related technologies. Since then, it has expanded the scope of cooperation by establishing the Maritime Nuclear Energy Consultative Organization (NEMO) with TerraPower in March 2023 and working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to establish standards for nuclear deployment and operation in the maritime environment.

HD Hyundai won an order from TerraPower in December 2024 to build a reactor vessel for Sodium Cooling High Speed Reactor (SFR). It is then expanding its nuclear-related business by signing a 'strategic agreement to expand the manufacturing supply chain for the commercialization of sodium reactors' in March 2025.

Hydrogen propulsion and hydrogen-carrying vessels

HD Hyundai announced the 'Hydrogen Dream 2030 Roadmap' in March 2021 and is continuing its research on hydrogen storage, transportation, and utilization technologies in the maritime sector. HD Hyundai developed the LNG and hydrogen hybrid engine for the first time in Korea in 2022 to verify the applicability of ships such as fuel hybrid operation stability and output characteristics. In 2023, HD Hyundai developed its own liquefied hydrogen cargo hold technology that minimizes hydrogen evaporation by keeping the insulated space in a vacuum. For the technology, basic certification (AIP) has been obtained from four classifications: Lloyds Class (LR), American Class (ABS), Norwegian Class (DNV), and Korean Class (KR). Research is being conducted with the aim of commercialization in 2030.

"The development of ships using next-generation energy is a key task that will determine the competitiveness of the shipping and shipbuilding industries in the future, beyond just eco-friendly responses," an HD Hyundai official said. "We will secure related technologies early and lead the market."

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*This content was translated by AI.