HD Hyundai has just cracked a critical code in the race to electrify shipping. The conglomerate’s affiliates, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), have secured the world’s first New Technology Qualification (NTQ) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for their advanced electric propulsion system. This isn’t just another certification—it’s a green light for a breakthrough in marine electrification.
The Breakerless-MVDC Power System, as it’s called, is a game-changer. It uses medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) to optimize power distribution, slash energy loss, and boost efficiency across ship operations. This isn’t theoretical either—it’s already been validated through ABS’s rigorous NTQ process, proving its feasibility and maturity. For HD Hyundai, this is a major milestone, but it’s also a wake-up call for the rest of the industry. If electrification is the future, this system just became the blueprint.
The collaboration between HD Hyundai and ABS goes beyond certification. It’s a partnership built on shared goals: advancing maritime safety and accelerating the transition to clean energy. Patrick Ryan, ABS’s senior vice president and chief technology officer, put it bluntly: “Alternative energy options, particularly electrification, are needed to help the shipping industry achieve net zero by 2050.” This isn’t just about cutting emissions—it’s about redefining how ships are powered, operated, and built.
For HD KSOE, this certification is proof that marine electrification isn’t just possible—it’s scalable. Sanghyun Kim, HD KSOE’s senior vice president, emphasized that the system is now certified for both commercial and naval vessels, positioning the company at the forefront of zero-carbon propulsion. But the real win here is overcoming the technological hurdles that have held the industry back for years. If HD Hyundai can commercialize this, it could set a new standard for ship design and operation.
The next steps are just as critical. The project team is already working on developing new requirements for high-voltage systems and a new ABS notation. This isn’t a one-and-done certification—it’s the foundation for a new era of electrified, autonomous, and zero-emission shipping.
Byoung-Hun Kwon, HD KSOE’s electrification center head, made it clear: marine MVDC isn’t optional—it’s essential. With experience in low-voltage direct current (LVDC) systems already under their belt, including South Korea’s first dual-fuel smart electric ship, the Ulsan Taehwa, HD Hyundai is now setting its sights on scaling up to MVDC. If they succeed, they won’t just lead the market—they’ll redefine it.
This isn’t just about one company or one technology. It’s about the future of shipping. If HD Hyundai’s system gains traction, it could accelerate adoption across the industry, pushing competitors to innovate or fall behind. The maritime sector has long been slow to change, but with net-zero targets looming, the pressure is on. HD Hyundai has just given the industry a roadmap—and the rest will have to follow or risk being left behind.