HD Hyundai, Maersk forge strategic alliance for low-emission shipping

HD Hyundai announced Tuesday that it has signed a strategic partnership with shipping giant Maersk to support the Danish firm’s efforts toward low-emission operations while strengthening its own global supply chain.

The signing ceremony took place at HD Hyundai’s Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on April 24, with Executive Vice Chair Chung Ki-sun and Maersk Chair Robert Maersk Uggla in attendance.

"Our collaboration with Maersk will serve as a leading example of innovation in the global logistics market by combining decarbonization 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."

As part of the partnership, Maersk will test HD Hyundai’s carbon-neutral sailing technologies over six months.

These include HiNAS, a self-navigating ship solution co-developed with US-based Avikus, and OceanWise, an artificial intelligence-based sailing efficiency solution developed by HD Hyundai Marine Solution, the group’s ship maintenance unit.

Both solutions will be implemented on Maersk’s container ships built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai's shipbuilding arm.

Beyond testing sailing technologies, the two companies will also explore a wider range of eco-friendly logistics innovations, such as optimizing engine efficiency and evaluating solid oxygen fuel cell technology, which is known to generate electricity without emitting carbon dioxide.

Additionally, Maersk will provide tailored logistics services across HD Hyundai’s diverse business units, which range from ship repair to construction equipment manufacturing. This support is expected to enhance the group’s supply chain reliability and delivery speed, HD Hyundai said.

"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," said Uggla, the Maersk chair.