ABS, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the technical feasibility for medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) power systems on ships.
The agreement opens the door to collaborate on design assessment, new technology qualification as well as the development of rule guidance to provide clear directives on technical requirements, safety standards and regulatory compliance.
‘Our companies are equally focused on the safety of the maritime industry while supporting a smooth transition to clean energy. Alternative energy options, particularly electrification, are needed to help the shipping industry achieve net zero by 2050,’ says Patrick Ryan, ABS senior vice president and chief technology officer.
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MVDC essential for unmanning of ships
Byoung-Hun Kwon, head of HD KSOE Electrification Center, adds: ‘For the electrification/unmanning of large ships and ship systems, marine MVDC technology is essential, not optional, and we have successfully developed a low-voltage direct current power system (LVDC) in many projects, including the Ulsan Taehwa. Based on our experience in delivery, we will lead the large ship electric propulsion market by expanding our technology to the MVDC power system.’
This is the latest stage in a long running programme of collaboration between the organisations, with ABS supporting HHI on ammonia carriers, autonomous navigation and green hydrogen production.
Picture: (L to R) Byoung-Hun Kwon, EVP, Digital Research Lab, HD KSOE; Bum-Woo Han, SVP, Initial Design Office, HD HHI; and Seong-Hun Kim, Director, Korea Business Development, ABS.
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