ABS and Pusan National University Collaborate on Liquid Hydrogen Carrier Development
In a significant step towards advancements in hydrogen transportation technology, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has partnered with South Korea’s Pusan National University (PNU) by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on the joint research and development of liquid hydrogen carriers and cryogenic engineering. The collaboration, established with PNU’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center, aims to harness shared expertise and resources to innovate hydrogen propulsion systems.
As liquefied hydrogen—stored at an exceptionally low temperature of -253°C—has yet to be commercially transported at scale, the partnership represents a crucial move towards overcoming existing technical challenges. ABS’s Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Patrick Ryan, emphasized that this cooperation could result in significant advancements in hydrogen technology applications at sea, particularly with liquid hydrogen carriers.
Lee Jae-Myung, Director of PNU’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center, stated that this collaboration marks a pivotal moment for utilizing liquid hydrogen, a major component of the future hydrogen economy. He highlighted the potential for international exchange activities grounded in ultra-low temperature technology, emphasizing the mutual goal of creating synergy in this largely unexplored field.
PNU’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center has recently been appointed as the lead institution for the ambitious “Development of Basic Technology for Commercialization of Liquid Hydrogen Carriers” project. This initiative is part of South Korea’s "K-Shipbuilding Super Gap Vision 2040," aiming to invest around KRW 2 trillion (approximately $1.45 billion) across ten flagship projects in advanced maritime technologies, including ammonia-fueled ships and liquefied CO2 carriers.
As part of this vision, plans for constructing what is expected to be the world’s largest liquefied hydrogen carrier are in motion, with a demonstration ship projected for completion by 2027, reinforcing South Korea’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global shipbuilding industry.
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