South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced a new project to build the world’s largest liquid hydrogen carrier (LHC) through a public-private partnership.
The initiative will bring together South Korea’s top shipbuilders Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries along with experts from universities and research institutes.
As reported, the project has received 55.5 billion won ($39.5 million) in government funding for 2025, with the goal to develop the technology and ship designs needed for liquefied hydrogen carriers.
By 2027, a 2,000 cbm demonstration ship will be completed with even larger ships planned for 2030 and 2032. By 2040, the aim is to commercialize a 160,000 cbm vessel.
Moreover, the ship, which can transport hydrogen in liquid form, has yet to be commercialized by any country, the Ministry explained.
LHCs involve high risks in early stages of development due to their technical complexity, and that is why the government’s role is crucial in helping the Korean shipbuilding industry seize new market opportunities in the area. The government will actively support the early development of large-scale LHC technologies and work to revise relevant laws and regulations.
…said a Ministry official.
To remind, recently South Korea announced the development of a US-South Korean green shipping corridor, set to launch also in 2027.
