Hyundai Heavy Industries Develops Ship Hydrogen Fuel Cells with World's Largest Powertrain Manufacturer

LNG carrier built by Hyundai Heavy Industries

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 8th with AVL, the world's largest powertrain development company, to develop hydrogen fuel cells for ships by 2025.

Powertrain is a series of mechanical devices that convert energy sources into power to move actual vehicles. AVL, headquartered in Austria, focuses on system development and performance testing. Hyundai Heavy Industries is developing engines that use eco-friendly fuels such as methanol and ammonia, and has now included hydrogen fuel cells as a main development target.

Hydrogen fuel cells are a type of mini power plant that uses hydrogen as an energy source. The company expects that energy efficiency can be increased by more than 60% compared to conventional internal combustion engines. It is expected to play an important role in the hydrogen value chain as a key component for hydrogen fuel-powered ships.

On the same day, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group exhibited models such as hydrogen carriers and construction machinery at the Hydrogen Mobility+ Show held at KINTEX in Goyang City, announcing the group’s mid- to long-term hydrogen business plans. The group also participates in the Korea H2 Business Summit, which is composed mainly of 15 major domestic companies including Hyundai Motor and SK.

Jung Ki-sun, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, said, "Building an organic value chain is the most certain way to expand the hydrogen ecosystem," adding, "Based on the infrastructure of group affiliates, we will work hard to activate the hydrogen economy by creating synergy with domestic companies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.