ABS and Pusan National University to develop hydrogen technologies

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and South Korea’s Pusan National University have joined forces to develop a liquid hydrogen carrier and hydrogen-based propulsion systems.

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The partnership aims to promote the use of hydrogen technology at sea, including the development of liquid hydrogen carriers, according to Patrick Ryan, chief technology officer at ABS.

The initiative will focus on expanding the use of liquid hydrogen, supported by ultra-low temperature technology, Dr. Lee Jae-Myung, director of the Hydrogen Ship Technology Center at Pusan National University, added.

This technology involves advanced cryogenic systems that store and transport liquefied hydrogen at around −253°C, making safe and efficient operations—such as bunkering—possible.

ABS emphasised that transporting liquefied hydrogen at scale remains a highly complex challenge, as commercial solutions have yet to be realised.

Meanwhile, hydrogen is gradually gaining traction in the maritime sector.

This month, the Port of Rotterdam Authority teamed up with Norwegian startup EDGE Navigation to develop liquid hydrogen infrastructure, and the South Korean government announced a 55.5 billion South Korean Won ($40 million) investment to launch the world’s largest liquefied hydrogen carrier pilot project by 2027.

By Tuhin Roy

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