HD Hyundai signs MoU with Maersk for Decarbonization Technology and Integrated Logistics Collaboration
ULSAN : HD Hyundai and A.P. Moller – Maersk announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a comprehensive collaboration focused on decarbonization solutions for vessels. Additionally, HD Hyundai plans to expand its utilization of Maersk’s integrated logistics services across its various affiliates.
Advancing Green Shipping and Supply Chain Efficiency
The signing ceremony, held at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center (GRC), was attended by key figures including HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Kisun and Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla, alongside other relevant officials.
This MOU builds upon a significant history of cooperation between the two industry leaders. Since 2021, HD Hyundai has received orders for a total of 19 methanol-powered container ships from Maersk. Last year, the company successfully delivered the world’s first methanol-powered ultra-large container ship, a testament to their ongoing collaboration in the decarbonization of the shipbuilding and shipping industries.
Initially, the 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 optimization on a Maersk container vessel built and delivered by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The primary objective of this trial is to validate the fuel-saving and greenhouse gas emission-reduction impacts of optimized navigation systems.
The partnership also plans to explore cooperation in ship retrofitting for decarbonization, which includes optimizing engine efficiency, increasing container ship cargo capacity, and retrofitting dual-fuel propulsion systems. Furthermore, they will collaborate on joint research to examine the feasibility of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system, a cutting-edge technology for cleaner energy generation.
In parallel, HD Hyundai will strengthen its global supply chain by leveraging Maersk’s integrated logistics services. This includes expanding ocean freight volumes supported by Maersk’s East-West network and utilizing Maersk’s capabilities across airfreight services and land transportation, as well as warehousing infrastructure. The initial phase of this logistics partnership will focus on providing tailored solutions for HD Hyundai’s affiliates, including HD Hyundai XiteSolution and HD Hyundai Marine Solution, with a gradual rollout planned across other affiliates to enhance the stability and agility of the company’s global supply chain.
Leadership Perspectives
Chung Kisun, HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman, stated: “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.”
Robert Maersk Uggla, A.P. Moller – Maersk Chairman, 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.”
Key highlights of the Memorandum of Understanding include collaboration on advanced navigation and decarbonization retrofit solutions, joint research on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems, and the expansion of Maersk’s integrated logistics offerings to HD Hyundai’s affiliated companies.