Skip to content

Hyundai secures significant U.S. endorsement for groundbreaking marine propulsion without traditional brakes

Hyundai's technological innovation in shipboard propulsion systems has been recognized and certified by the American Bureau of Shipping, making it a global first in this particular category.

Hyundai Wins Landmark U.S. Authorization for Innovative, Breakerless Marine Power Technology
Hyundai Wins Landmark U.S. Authorization for Innovative, Breakerless Marine Power Technology

Hyundai secures significant U.S. endorsement for groundbreaking marine propulsion without traditional brakes

HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has made a significant stride in maritime technology with the world's first New Technology Qualification (NTQ) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its Breakerless-MVDC Power System. This innovation marks a significant step forward in the electrification and unmanning of large vessels.

The Breakerless-MVDC Power System is an advanced electric propulsion system designed for large vessels. It replaces traditional circuit breakers with a modular propulsion drive technology based on medium-voltage direct current (MVDC). This system offers numerous benefits, including simplified power distribution, more efficient modular electric drives, and enhanced support for automation and remote operation.

By eliminating circuit breakers, the Breakerless-MVDC Power System simplifies power distribution, reducing complexity and increasing reliability compared to traditional medium-voltage alternating current (MVAC) systems. This leads to reduced maintenance needs and improved system performance.

The system's efficient modular electric drives support higher system automation and integration, making it ideal for the automation and remote operation of ship systems. This stability, compactness, and reduced failure-prone nature of the power system are crucial for the smooth transition to clean energy and the unmanning of large vessels.

HD KSOE's Breakerless-MVDC Power System is a natural evolution from their modular propulsion drive system. The company, which has previously collaborated with ABS on ammonia-powered vessels, autonomous navigation technologies, and green hydrogen initiatives, is poised to lead the large ship electric propulsion market with this advancement.

The certification recognises the work of HD Hyundai's affiliates, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), the world's largest shipbuilder, and HD KSOE, a global leader in the marine industry. The next milestones for the project team include developing new requirements for high-voltage systems and a new ABS notation.

ABS senior vice president and chief technology officer, Patrick Ryan, emphasised the importance of collaboration in driving technological progress in the maritime industry. He also highlighted that alternative energy options, particularly electrification, are needed to help the shipping industry achieve net zero by 2050.

Sanghyun Kim, HD KSOE senior vice president, reiterated the company's commitment to leading the commercialization of zero-carbon electric propulsion vessels. The agreement between ABS and HD KSOE and HD HHI aims to collaborate on design assessment, new technology qualification, and the development of rule guidance for clean energy vessels.

HD KSOE has already demonstrated its capabilities in marine electrification, having developed and implemented low-voltage direct current (LVDC) systems across multiple projects, including South Korea's first dual-fuel smart electric ship, the Ulsan Taehwa. The Breakerless-MVDC Power System, now certified for both commercial and naval vessels, further solidifies HD KSOE's position as a leader in marine electrification.

In conclusion, the Breakerless-MVDC Power System is a game-changer in the maritime industry, offering a more efficient, reliable, and automated solution for large vessels. With this certification, HD KSOE is well on its way to leading the commercialization of zero-carbon electric propulsion vessels and driving the industry towards a greener, more automated future.

The Breakerless-MVDC Power System, certified by ABS, offers numerous advantages in the maritime industry, such as simplified power distribution, modular electric drives, and enhanced support for automation and remote operation. This innovation is a crucial step towards the electrification and unmanning of large vessels.

The achievement represents a significant milestone for HD KSOE, a global leader in the marine industry, showcasing their commitment to leading the commercialization of zero-carbon electric propulsion vessels. HD KSOE's collaborations with ABS, such as those focusing on ammonia-powered vessels, autonomous navigation technologies, and green hydrogen initiatives, further solidify their position.

ABS, recognizing the importance of collaboration in driving technological progress, emphasizes the need for alternative energy options, particularly electrification, to help the shipping industry achieve net zero by 2050.

As HD KSOE continues to develop new requirements for high-voltage systems and a new ABS notation, their lead in the marine industry is firmly established in the realm of clean energy, technology, and innovation.

Read also:

    Latest