SK E&S to Build Korea's First 'Port Hydrogen Complex Station' in Yeosu

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Signs 'Business Agreement for Hydrogen Port Development'
Establishment of 'Port Hydrogen Complex Station' as Liquefied Hydrogen Supply Infrastructure
Nationwide Expansion Starting with Yeosu Gwangyang Port in 2023

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] SK is partnering with the government to create an 'eco-friendly hydrogen port' that will serve as a key hub in the future hydrogen ecosystem.

On the 14th, SK announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries at the Government Complex Sejong to establish a carbon-neutral and eco-friendly hydrogen port ecosystem. The signing ceremony was attended by Choo Hyung-wook, President and CEO of SK E&S and head of the 'Hydrogen Business Promotion Team,' SK Group's dedicated hydrogen business unit, and Moon Sung-hyuk, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries.

A hydrogen port is a microcosm of the hydrogen ecosystem, serving as a hub that encompasses everything from hydrogen production and import to storage, supply, and utilization. SK plans to expand the project nationwide, starting with Yeosu Gwangyang Port and extending to major ports such as Incheon Port and Busan Port.

Through this agreement, SK and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will mutually cooperate in three areas: ▲establishing hydrogen complex stations (charging stations) at ports ▲promoting the transition of port mobility and vessels to hydrogen fuel ▲building eco-friendly blue hydrogen production bases at ports.

SK will review the establishment of hydrogen complex stations and blue hydrogen production bases at major ports nationwide, while the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will provide necessary policy support for these efforts.

First, SK E&S plans to build Korea's first 'port hydrogen complex station' at Yeosu Gwangyang Port by 2023 through collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and port authorities. The port hydrogen complex station will consist of hydrogen charging stations, commercial vehicle garages, convenience facilities, and other ancillary facilities. It will serve as a hub supplying liquefied hydrogen produced by SK to the port and its hinterland, as well as infrastructure to expand hydrogen mobility.

Additionally, to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from ports, SK plans to gradually convert the fuel of large logistics trucks operating in and out of ports and cargo handling and transportation equipment within ports to eco-friendly hydrogen. To this end, SK E&S is considering a pilot project to reduce port greenhouse gas emissions by introducing hydrogen yard tractors in cooperation with port authorities. Yard tractors, equipment used to transport containers within docks, are expected to have a significant greenhouse gas reduction effect when converted to hydrogen vehicles.

Furthermore, SK is also considering establishing new eco-friendly blue hydrogen production bases within ports to expand hydrogen production in the mid to long term. Appropriate candidate sites will be reviewed in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in the future.

President Choo stated, "Based on our liquefied hydrogen supply capacity, including the construction of the world's largest liquefaction plant in 2023, SK will actively invest in creating eco-friendly hydrogen ports where large-scale demand is expected, contributing to the early establishment of the hydrogen ecosystem and achieving carbon neutrality."

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