HD Hyundai has entered into a strategic partnership with A.P. Moller-Maersk to co-develop advanced decarbonisation technologies for shipping and to enhance integrated logistics services globally. The agreement, formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), was signed at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Centre in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, on 24 April. The signing ceremony was attended by HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla, and other senior officials from both companies.
Under the MOU, Maersk will integrate HD Hyundai’s ship decarbonisation technologies into its fleet to reduce carbon emissions. In parallel, HD Hyundai will leverage Maersk’s global integrated logistics network to strengthen its supply chain operations across subsidiaries. The collaboration seeks to establish a future-proof logistics model aligned with sustainability goals.
New vessels delivered by HD Hyundai will be equipped with HINAS, a next-generation navigation solution developed by its subsidiary Avikus, as well as OceanWise, an AI-based system designed by HD Hyundai Marine Solutions for optimised fuel consumption and reduced carbon output. A six-month pilot programme will be launched to validate the technologies’ performance in real-world conditions, including metrics related to fuel efficiency and emission reduction.
Further areas of collaboration include optimising engine performance, expanding container ship capacity, and retrofitting vessels with dual-fuel propulsion systems. Both companies will also assess the practical application of solid oxide fuel cells through HD Hydrogen, a recently established subsidiary of HD Hyundai focused on clean energy solutions.
Maersk’s extensive “East-West Network” and its logistics capabilities across airfreight, land transportation, and warehousing infrastructure will play a key role in expanding HD Hyundai’s ocean freight volumes and strengthening its global reach.
“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,” said Chung. “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 MOU marks an important milestone, reinforcing the strong relationship we have developed and paving the way for even greater collaboration in the future.”
Since 2021, HD Hyundai has supplied 19 methanol-powered container ships to Maersk, including the world’s first ultra-large vessel of its kind, which was delivered last year.
–Korea JoongAng Daily
