Korea's First Liquefied Hydrogen Carrier:

Design, Shipbuilding, and a Testbed for Onboard Equipment

Pusan National University's Hydrogen Ship Technology Center 

Launches New Project with a Kick-Off Meeting

- On December 17, 2024, more than 100 representatives from partner institutions, corporations, and research organizations gathered to ensure the safe transportation of liquefied hydrogen and advance its commercialization.

□ On December 16, 2024, Pusan National University’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center, led by Director Lee Jae-myung, Professor of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, announced the official launch of the 'Development of Core Technologies for the Commercialization of Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers' project. The initiative focuses on design, shipbuilding, and establishing a testbed for key onboard equipment.

  ○Pusan National University’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center hosted a kickoff meeting on December 17, 2024, in Haeundae, Busan. The event commenced at 2p.m. in the Capri Room of the Paradise Hotel and gathered more than 100 attendees. Representatives from partner institutions, corporations, and research organizations engaged in discussions on the 'Development of Core Technologies for the Commercialization of Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers' project.‘

□ Pusan National University’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center was selected for the "Development of Core Technologies for the Commercialization of Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers" project in October, led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. This project supports the government’s "K-Shipbuilding Super Gap Vision 2040" and "Hydrogen Economy Revitalization Roadmap." The center will oversee the construction of the liquefied hydrogen carrier Hydro Ocean K (tentative name) and provide a testbed for testing key onboard equipment. With a total investment of 62.4 billion KRW, the project will run for four years and four months, ending in December 2028.

  ○As the lead organization for this project, Pusan National University’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center is collaborating with 13 institutions from industry, academia, and research, including the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering, Korean Register, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Korea Ship Technology, Movena Korea, HSS, Inha University, Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute(KOMERI), Gyeongnam Technopark, and Korea Gas Safety Corporation. Together, they will undertake key tasks such as:

-Developing cryogenic (-253°C) liquefied hydrogen storage and marine transportation technologies

-Demonstrating and commercializing a world-class insulation system to prevent hydrogen boil-off

-Developing advanced equipment for liquefied hydrogen, a first in Korea

-Securing the country’s first track record for the onboard demonstration of hydrogen fuel cells for ships

   - The cargo tank installed on the liquefied hydrogen carrier is designed with a capacity of 2,000㎥ and will undergo sea trials equipped with cryogenic pumps, valves, piping, and sensors.

□ A stable hydrogen supply is crucial for its use as a future clean energy source. Hydrogen transportation methods differ from oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) depending on the distance between production and consumption sites. Liquefied hydrogen is essential for long-distance transport and large-scale storage, as it shrinks to 1/800 of its original volume at -253°C.

  ○ The government emphasizes domestic production and international imports in its hydrogen supply strategy. Liquefied hydrogen carriers play a crucial role in facilitating long-distance maritime transportation. At present, no liquefied hydrogen carrier has entered commercial operation worldwide.

  ○ This project marks a major step in developing Korea’s first liquefied hydrogen transport vessel, strengthening the country’s leadership in hydrogen technology. It is also expected to open global opportunities for domestic manufacturers entering the hydrogen industry. Additionally, with local governments involved, the project will help lay the foundation for a hydrogen value chain.

  ○ The initiative aligns with the “Liquefied Hydrogen Carrier Super-Gap Strategy” announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy last month. It plays a key role in securing the “hydrogen transportation” sector within Korea’s hydrogen supply chain.

□ Professor Lee Jae-myung of Pusan National University, the project’s lead director, stated, “Once the project is completed, Korea will have its own liquefied hydrogen carrier, tentatively named ‘Hydro Ocean K.’ This achievement will accelerate the growth of Korea’s hydrogen ecosystem, help shipbuilding equipment companies enter new markets, and establish a stable and cost-effective hydrogen storage and transportation system.”