HD Hyundai and A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) have signed of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaboration on decarbonisation solutions for vessels, while HD Hyundai plans to expand the use of Maersk’s integrated logistics services across its affiliates.
Since 2021, HD Hyundai has received orders for a total of 19 methanol-powered container ships from Maersk. In 2024, the company successfully delivered the world’s first methanol-powered ultra-large container ship, continuing its collaboration with Maersk in the field of decarbonisation of shipbuilding and shipping industry.
Initially, the two companies will conduct a six-month trial applying Avikus HiNAS, an advanced navigation solution for energy-efficient vessel operations, and HD Hyundai Marine Solution’s OCEANWISE route optimisation on a Maersk container vessel built and delivered by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The purpose of this trial is to validate the fuel-saving and GHG emission reduction impacts of optimised navigation systems. They further plan to explore cooperation in the field of ship retrofitting for decarbonisation, including optimising engine efficiency, increasing container ship cargo capacity, and retrofitting dual-fuel propulsion systems. The companies will collaborate on joint research to examine the feasibility of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system.
HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Kisun said: “Our collaboration with Maersk will serve as a leading example of innovation in the global logistics market by combining decarbonisation shipping technologies with integrated logistics networks. We will rapidly advance the world’s best shipbuilding technologies with the goal of building a sustainable maritime logistics network that ensures safety, low-emissions, and optimal efficiency.”
Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla added: “Our partnership with HD Hyundai has been built over decades, founded on mutual trust and respect. This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone, reinforcing the strong relationship we have developed and paving the way for even greater collaboration in the future.”
Image: HD Hyundai and Maersk, MoU ceremony (source: A.P. Moller – Maersk)
