AVL, an Austrian engineering company, will collaborate with Hyundai Heavy Industries to develop hydrogen fuel cells for ships by 2025.
AVL and HHI will develop fuel cells with an output of 200 kilowatts to 1.5 megawatts that would be applied to coastal island area ferries and tugboats, inland water cargo ships, and medium-sized hydrogen carriers.
HHI has also unveiled a roadmap to advance the development of hydrogen transport ships and create vessels with hydrogen fuel propulsion.
Furthermore, during March, Hyundai Heavy Industries announced a cooperation with Doosan Fuel Cell, to develop a megawatt-class SOFC system for vessels. Doosan aims to develop a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system that will use LNG to have a power output of more than 40%compared to conventional diesel engines.
HHI has also formed a joint project with domestic partners to commercialize a fuel cell electric propulsion system for ships. The partners will commercialize a small model in the second half of 2022 and larger systems later.
Meanwhile, in an effort to deal with tightened greenhouse gas regulations and introduce eco-friendly vessels, South Korean shipbuilders are attempting to adopt fuel cell technology such as SOFC system that produces electricity by oxidizing fuel.