The South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has announced the launch of a new research and development facility dedicated to maritime decarbonization. Located at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) yard in Ulsan, the Marine Innovative R&D facility is set to focus on a wide range of processes related to reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry.
While KSOE already has existing R&D setups for green technologies, these primarily involve testing specific functions like the supply of LNG fuel to ships. The new facility, however, is designed to simulate and test the full sequence of shipboard cargo operations, from loading to ship operations to unloading. This holistic approach will enable KSOE to predict the performance of various technologies from a land-based setting before implementing them on actual ships, thereby increasing the safety and reliability of new ship types using green technologies.
An official from HD KSOE emphasized the importance of pre-validating eco-friendly equipment to be installed in ships due to the tightening environmental regulations. One of the first tasks of the facility will be to test the performance of reliquefaction equipment for liquefied carbon dioxide carriers (LCO2), which aims to reduce emissions and ensure more cargo reaches its destination.
HD Hyundai is currently constructing two of the world’s largest LCO2 carriers, which are part of an order from Greek shipowner Capital Maritime Group and set for delivery next year. Additionally, the R&D facility will test technology for producing dry ice in ship cargo holds, a function that could greatly enhance the transportation of perishable goods.
Looking ahead, KSOE plans to expand
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