Hong Kong-based HK Shipping recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korean companies KOMSCO and Mytec to collaborate on the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology for ships.

The MOU aims to develop a hydrogen supply system and fuel cell power generation system suitable for use on vessels, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality in the shipping industry.

HK Shipping also christened two new chemical tankers in Korea, which are equipped with a range of eco-friendly features, including a hybrid scrubber system that removes sulfur oxides from exhaust gases, reducing emissions by up to 99%.

In addition to the scrubber system, the tankers are designed with fuel-efficient engines and a heat recovery system that recovers waste heat to generate electricity.

The move towards hydrogen technology is part of a wider push for cleaner, greener shipping. In recent years, the shipping industry has faced increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) setting a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050.

The development of hydrogen fuel cell technology for ships could play a key role in achieving this goal, as it offers a clean, sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.