South Korean shipbuilding conglomerate HD Hyundai is joining forces with UK-based LNG giant Shell to develop large liquefied hydrogen (LH2) carriers.
In that regard, HD Hyundai’s units HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a joint development agreement with Shell at the HD Hyundai Global R&D center in Seognam, according to a statement.
Under the agreement, the partners will jointly develop a large-scale liquefied hydrogen carrier with the aim of commercializing it in 2030.
HD KSOE will develop core technologies such as large liquefied hydrogen tanks and hydrogen cargo operating systems, while HD HHI will develop hydrogen engines and design liquefied hydrogen carriers.
Shell will share its know-how in technology development and vessel operations and assess the feasibility of the liquefied hydrogen carrier designs.
Earlier this year, HD KSOE joined forces with Japan’s shipping firm MOL, Australia’s LNG player Woodside, and shipping company Hyundai Glovis to study shipping solutions for the bulk transport of liquefied hydrogen.
In this project, the companies will study the technology, safety, construction, operation, and economics of a carrier with 80,000 cbm tank capacity, with the aim of establishing a liquefied hydrogen supply chain in Asia and other regions.
If a project results from the memorandum, the parties’ aspiration is to have the vessel built and in operation by 2030.
On the other hand, Shell is looking to develop a hydrogen energy supply chain by creating scalable and safe LH2 shipping technologies.
Shell is also working with French LNG containment giant GTT liquefied hydrogen membrane type containment system and an LH2 carrier.
