DNV Approves New Electric Hydrogen Carrier Design by HD Hyundai for Safer Shipping

DNV Awards Key Approval for HD Hyundai’s Innovative Hydrogen Carrier Design

DNV has given an important Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for its new hydrogen carrier design. This design uses electric power and can carry up to 80,000 cubic meters of liquid hydrogen (LH₂). The official ceremony will happen at Gastech in Houston.

This approval is part of a larger project involving HD KSOE, Woodside Energy, Hyundai Glovis, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). Together, these companies are working to build a complete shipping system for transporting liquid hydrogen on a large scale.

The ship design includes advanced hydrogen storage tanks with vacuum insulation and an electric engine system that can run on both diesel and hydrogen fuel. This flexible system allows the ship to operate more efficiently. The ship’s new hull design and cargo system also help make it more efficient and adaptable for different commercial needs.

The AiP from DNV confirms that HD KSOE’s ship design meets the safety and environmental standards needed for transporting liquid hydrogen. As part of the approval process, DNV performed thorough safety checks, known as Hazard Identification (HAZID), and Environmental Impact Identification (ENVID). These checks help make sure the ship design is safe and environmentally friendly.

Chang Kwang-pil, Chief Technology Officer of HD KSOE, said that this approval is an important step in creating a cost-effective hydrogen carrier. He emphasized that this achievement was made possible through teamwork and innovation across the hydrogen shipping industry.

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Julie Fallon, Executive Vice President of Woodside, mentioned that they have made significant progress in creating flexible and affordable hydrogen shipping systems. She credits the collaboration of all partners for this success.

Tae Woo Kim, Senior Vice President at Hyundai Glovis, highlighted that working with other leaders in the hydrogen shipping field has helped them assess risks and find ways to prevent potential hazards. This effort will help protect the ship, its crew, and the cargo.

Jotaro Tamura, Managing Director of MOL, said they are pleased with how far the hydrogen carrier project has come since they joined in early 2024. MOL plans to continue using its shipping expertise to help create a strong hydrogen supply chain.

Vidar Dolonen, DNV’s Regional Manager for Korea and Japan, said this approval is a big step toward creating a global hydrogen economy. He added that DNV is proud to be part of such an innovative energy project.