South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Korea Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering (HD KSOE) has announced the launch of a new research and development facility dedicated to ocean decarbonization. The Marine Innovative R&D facility will be based at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) yard in Ulsan.
KSOE has an existing research and development structure for green technologies, but it is primarily focused on testing specific functions such as the supply of LNG fuel to ships. However, the new facility is designed to simulate and test a wide range of processes, including a range of marine cargo operations such as loading, vessel operations and unloading, as well as technologies that can reduce carbon emissions. .
This comprehensive approach allows KSOE to predict the performance of a given technology from the onshore environment, even before it is installed on an actual ship. According to KSOE, this will improve the safety and reliability of new types of vessels using green technology.
“With the tightening of environmental regulations, the development of various technologies is progressing, and ensuring their reliability has become important. HD KSOE will utilize this new facility to We aim to pre-verify the equipment which is friendly to the environment,” said an HD KSOE official.
The new facility's first tasks will include testing the performance of reliquefaction equipment for liquefied carbon dioxide carriers (LCO2). Reliquefaction reduces emissions and ensures more cargo reaches its destination.
HD Hyundai is currently building two of the world's largest LCO2 carriers as part of an order it received last year from Greek shipowner Capital Maritime Group. The two 22,000 cubic meter carriers are scheduled to be delivered next year.
In addition, the research and development facility will also test technology to produce dry ice inside a ship's cargo hold, a feature that could significantly improve the transportation of perishable goods.
Meanwhile, KSOE said it aims to expand the range of green technologies and vessel types tested at the facility by 2026. This includes new propulsion systems and hybrid electric systems for marine vessels, such as those powered by ammonia and methanol.
