Samsung Heavy Industries Develops 'Liquefied Hydrogen Fuel Cell System for Ships'

Acquired AiP Technology Certification from Norwegian DNV Class

Jinmo Kim, Head of Global New Business Team at Samsung Heavy Industries (right), is taking a commemorative photo with Andreas Kristoffersen, Head of DNV Korea Drawing Approval Center, after obtaining the basic certification for the development of a liquefied hydrogen fuel cell system for ships. Photo by Samsung Heavy Industries

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Samsung Heavy Industries announced on the 9th that it has succeeded in developing a liquefied hydrogen fuel cell ship propulsion system and has obtained basic certification from DNV, the Norwegian classification society.

The certified technology focuses on utilizing the power generated through liquefied hydrogen and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) as the propulsion energy source for ships. Samsung Heavy Industries developed the system and obtained classification certification through joint research with domestic hydrogen-related companies.

PEMFC is a fuel cell that uses a polymer membrane as the electrolyte. It operates at relatively low temperatures and consists of a simple system. It is capable of quick start-up and has durability against repeated operation and stoppage, making it suitable for application in the mobility sector.

Beomhan Fuel Cell and Jungwoo EN participated respectively in the development of hydrogen fuel cells for ships and liquefied hydrogen storage tanks. SNCIS was responsible for the hybrid power management system that controls hydrogen fuel cells and batteries.

Previously, Samsung Heavy Industries established a cooperative system with Pusan National University’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center, DNV classification society, and domestic companies for hydrogen technology research and development, manufacturing, and certification to commercialize hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems.

Fuel cells emit no greenhouse gases during power generation, attracting attention as a future eco-friendly energy source, and the field is globally focused on securing technology. Samsung Heavy Industries has taken the lead in the shipbuilding industry by initiating the development of ship fuel cell technology and accumulating core technologies.

In 2019, it was the first in the industry to develop an A-MAX class crude oil tanker propelled by solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) using LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuel and obtained classification certification. Last year, it succeeded in expanding the application range to LNG carriers.

Jinmo Kim, head of Samsung Heavy Industries’ Global New Business Team, emphasized, "Samsung Heavy Industries is leading the way in exploring the potential of ship hydrogen power generation systems using various fuel cells such as SOFC and PEMFC," adding, "We plan to further strengthen the industry-academia-classification cooperation system to continue leading hydrogen mobility technology in the shipbuilding and shipping industry."