Hyundai Motor Company has partnered with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Pusan National University to develop fuel cell systems for liquefied hydrogen carriers.
The three organisations will develop a hybrid propulsion system that combines hydrogen fuel cells with hydrogen dual fuel engines. Hyundai will supply marine variants of its PEM fuel cell technology; HD KSOE will design the integrated system, which blends fuel cells with engines that co fire hydrogen and diesel; and PNU will lead evaluation and demonstration work through its hydrogen ship research facilities.
Ken Ramírez, Executive Vice President at Hyundai Motor Group, said the partnership ‘marks an important first step toward achieving carbon neutrality and expanding a sustainable global maritime industry. By combining Hyundai Motor Company’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering’s expertise in shipbuilding and maritime sectors, and Pusan National University’s research capabilities in hydrogen-powered vessels, we aim to set a new standard for future marine mobility’.
The project focuses on mid to large scale liquefied hydrogen carriers, a vessel class seen as central to long term expectations for a cross-border hydrogen trade. HD KSOE has pursued liquid hydrogen carrier concepts for several years and received class approval in principle for an 80,000 cubic metre design in 2024.
Hyundai has invested heavily in hydrogen mobility, breaking ground in October on a fuel cell and electrolyser manufacturing facility in South Korea. However, fuel cell vehicle adoption has grown more slowly than anticipated, held back by limited refuelling infrastructure and rapid gains in battery electric cars. Marine applications provide an opportunity for Hyundai to scale manufacturing, diversify revenue streams and build reference projects in a sector advancing towards low carbon propulsion.
For shipbuilders, the partnership strengthens the case for hydrogen as a future marine fuel. Engines that blend hydrogen with diesel could reduce emissions while maintaining operational flexibility. Pairing those engines with fuel cells may widen the efficiency gains across a broader range of operating conditions.
The companies plan to move from component development to on water demonstration before pursuing potential commercial deployment. Hyundai is not alone in seeking maritime opportunities. Toyota is also developing fuel cell systems for vessels as automakers look to apply existing technology to new markets.
A successful demonstration of hybrid hydrogen propulsion on commercial scale ships would bolster hydrogen’s position within a wider low carbon fuels landscape that includes methanol, ammonia, CCS enabled solutions and emerging onboard energy technologies.
Although still in early development, the Hyundai, HD KSOE and PNU collaboration adds momentum to hydrogen’s maritime ambitions and highlights the increasing crossover between automotive and shipping technologies.
