South Korea Launches LH2 Carrier Development Project
Key Ideas
- South Korea initiated a project to design and build the country's first LH2 carrier through a commercial technology development initiative.
- The project is led by the Hydrogen Ship Technology Centre (HSTC) at Pusan National University, with a duration of over four years.
- Partners on the project include the Korea Institute of Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering, along with local shipbuilders such as Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean.
South Korea has launched a new commercial technology development project to create its first liquefied hydrogen (LH2) carrier, named Hydro Ocean K. The project, initiated by the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, is being led by the Hydrogen Ship Technology Centre (HSTC) at Pusan National University. The HSTC won the bid for the project in October 2024 and will oversee the construction of the LH2 carrier, with sea trials planned for the ship's core equipment. The collaboration includes partners like the Korea Institute of Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering and local shipbuilders such as Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering. The project is set to conclude in December 2028, spanning over four years. This initiative highlights South Korea's commitment to advancing hydrogen technology and commercializing LH2 carriers for a sustainable future.