South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on May 9, 2025, the establishment of a Public-Private Joint Promotion Team for Liquefied Hydrogen Transporters during a ceremony in Busan. The initiative, backed by a 55.5 billion won (approximately US$44 million) investment in 2025, aims to develop the world’s largest demonstration liquefied hydrogen carrier by 2027, positioning South Korea as a leader in hydrogen transport technology.

The project is part of the Liquefied Hydrogen Carrier Super-Gap Leading Strategy, which leverages South Korea’s expertise in LNG carrier shipbuilding to advance liquefied hydrogen carriers. These vessels, capable of storing hydrogen at -253°C to reduce its volume by 1/800, enable efficient large-scale transport, supporting global decarbonization efforts in maritime and industrial sectors. The initiative involves 43 research and development projects across 101 organizations, including leading shipbuilders, universities, and research institutes.

Liquefied hydrogen carriers are viewed as a critical solution for distributing hydrogen to power industries and transportation systems worldwide. Despite the technical challenges, the technology offers significant potential for South Korea to lead in the hydrogen economy and contribute to reducing emissions in global shipping.

A MOTIE official stated: “Liquefied hydrogen carriers are an area with a high level of technical difficulty and a very high risk of initial technology development, so it is important for the government to play a leading role in helping K-shipbuilding secure a new revenue stream. We will actively support the early acquisition of large-scale liquefied hydrogen carrier technology by organizing related laws and systems so that the technology we have developed can become a global standard.”

The 2025 funding will support the development of advanced systems and infrastructure for liquefied hydrogen carriers, with the demonstration ship serving as a milestone toward commercialization. The collaborative effort combines public and private expertise to address technical complexities and establish South Korea as a pioneer in this emerging field.

This initiative aligns with global trends toward sustainable energy solutions, positioning South Korea to meet growing demand for hydrogen transport while enhancing its shipbuilding industry’s competitiveness. The project’s success could set a global standard for liquefied hydrogen carriers, fostering economic and environmental benefits.