SK Incheon Petrochem has launched Korea’s first bio marine fuel, B30, comprising 30% bio-based materials and 70% Straight Run Fuel Oil (SRFO). This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping sector, aligning with international standards and contributing to sustainability in maritime operations. Official supply began on April 26, 2025.
VINSSEN, a leader in maritime decarbonization technology, has received Approval in Principle certification for Korea’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered tugboat. This achievement, in collaboration with KRE, showcases a major step towards reducing emissions in the maritime industry. The innovative propulsion system combines fuel cell and battery technology for efficient and sustainable operations.
South Korea’s HD Hyundai is actively exploring opportunities in India for a shipyard location or partnership, in line with India’s goal to become a world-class shipbuilder. The South Korean shipbuilder is touring India’s facilities and engaging with domestic shipbuilders for potential partnerships.
South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is leading a demonstration of autonomous operations on a large containership as part of a government-sponsored program. Equipped with specially designed systems, the vessel is showcasing autonomous collision avoidance and remote control capabilities. The initiative aims to advance technology development and establish international standards for autonomous shipping.
South Korea has achieved a major milestone in autonomous shipping with the successful installation and testing of the first containership with an integrated automation system. The vessel, POS Singapore, built as part of a government program, is now heading to Shanghai for a year of validation testing.
Hanwha Ocean, a South Korean shipbuilder, is investing $1.3 billion in safety enhancements at its shipyard operations over the next three years. This decision comes after criticism from the government and unions for lax safety protocols. The investment will include a smart system using AI, body cameras for workers, and replacing outdated equipment.
The South Korean shipbuilding industry faced its first coordinated work stoppage on August 28, as union members demanded salary increases, changes to bonus systems, and more new hires. The strike involved major shipbuilders and midsized yards, with plans for further actions if progress is not made before the Chuseok holiday in September.
Hyundai’s HD Hyundai is making significant investments in hydrogen fuel cells to strengthen its position in the shipping industry. By establishing a new division, HD Hydrogen, and acquiring a majority stake in a Finnish company, the company aims to tap into the growing market for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis technologies. Initial focus will be on stationary power generation, followed by applications in the marine fuel cell market.
South Korean shipbuilding group HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has secured a significant $27 billion order for new containerships, believed to be from CMA CGM. The 12 vessels, with a capacity of 15,500 TEU, will be constructed at HD Hyundai Shipyard and HD Hyundai Samho. This order reflects a strong demand for high-cost vessels and positions HD Hyundai as a key player in the industry.
Korean officials celebrated the commissioning of Tamhae 3, South Korea’s first domestically-built geophysical exploration research vessel, at Pohang Yeongilman Port. The vessel, a collaboration between Norway’s Ulstein Design and Korea’s HJ Heavy Industries, took eight years to complete and received a government investment exceeding $130 million. With cutting-edge features like the X-Bow design, Tamhae 3 aims to enhance South Korea’s research capabilities.
Work was suspended at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Ulsan shipyard after a fatal accident killed one person and left another seriously injured. The accident occurred during a lift and repositioning of a 9,000-ton block for an offshore crude oil production platform. South Korean officials imposed a stop work order and launched an investigation.
The market for very large ammonia carriers (VLAC) is rapidly growing, with South Korea’s major shipbuilders taking the lead. Analysts project rapid growth as ammonia power technologies become commercially available, with ammonia anticipated to become a leading alternative fuel. Shipowners are preparing for the market by ordering large vessels, with South Korean shipbuilders leading the way.
