HD Hyundai Pioneers Fuel Cell Technology for Eco-Friendly Cruise Ships
Key Ideas
  • HD Hyundai's intermediate holding company is collaborating internationally to develop solid oxide fuel cell systems for cruise ships, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and comply with environmental regulations.
  • The SOFC technology is efficient and environmentally friendly, producing electricity without combustion, making it suitable for high-power consumption cruise ships.
  • The project involves safety standards establishment, performance analysis, waste heat recovery, carbon emission reduction solutions, and collaboration with industry experts to ensure structural safety and compliance.
  • With a focus on the European market, HD Hyundai aims to lead in decarbonizing the maritime sector and expects significant growth in the global SOFC market by 2030.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, as part of HD Hyundai's shipbuilding sector, is venturing into fuel cell technology for cruise ships to align with the decarbonization trend. The company has announced a joint development project with DNV and German cruise line TUI Cruises to explore the application of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems in cruise ships. SOFCs are highly efficient fuel cells that produce electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional combustion engines. They are particularly suitable for cruise ships due to their efficiency, lower noise, and vibration levels. The project involves establishing safety design standards, performance analysis, waste heat recovery, carbon emission reduction through Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, and collaboration with industry experts to ensure compliance with regulations. HD Hyundai aims to enhance its competitiveness in the European market, known for strict environmental regulations and demand for eco-friendly ships. The global SOFC market is projected to grow significantly by 2030, presenting a lucrative opportunity for companies investing in this technology. An HD Hyundai official expressed confidence in the project's success, highlighting its importance in showcasing the company's decarbonization efforts on a global scale.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.