In a move that underscores the growing global focus on hydrogen as a next-generation marine fuel, Lloyd’s Register (LR) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hydrogen Ship Technology Center at Pusan National University (PNU). The agreement establishes a strategic international partnership aimed at accelerating innovation in liquefied hydrogen carrier (LH2) technology and cryogenic engineering, with the ultimate goal of supporting the maritime industry’s transition to zero-emission fuels.
The MoU was officially signed on 16 April 2025 at LR’s Busan office, formalising a long-term collaboration between one of the world’s leading classification societies and Korea’s top academic institution for eco-friendly ship technology.
A New Era for Hydrogen-Powered Shipping
The collaboration between LR and PNU signals a significant advancement in the development of liquefied hydrogen as a scalable and safe marine fuel. By combining LR’s global regulatory and technical expertise with PNU’s academic leadership in hydrogen vessel R&D, the two organisations aim to address key challenges in cryogenic storage, safety standards, vessel design, and international policy alignment.
The partnership will span:
- Joint research and development in liquefied hydrogen carrier design and systems
- Exchange of technical expertise and personnel
- Academic and industry collaboration on international standards and best practices
- Policy advocacy and contribution to hydrogen maritime frameworks
PNU’s Role in the World’s Largest LH2 Carrier
Pusan National University is already a major force in hydrogen innovation. Through its Hydrogen Ship Technology Center, PNU is the lead organisation behind ‘Hydro Ocean K’—currently the world’s largest liquefied hydrogen carrier under development. The university has established itself as a pioneer in ultra-low temperature technologies, making it an ideal partner for Lloyd’s Register in efforts to commercialise and standardise the emerging LH2 carrier segment.
Leadership Perspectives
Sung-Gu Park, President – North East Asia, Lloyd’s Register, highlighted the transformative potential of the agreement:
“We have taken an important first step towards the development of liquefied hydrogen carriers and cryogenic engineering technology. This agreement will serve as a significant turning point, allowing us to advance in the key areas of the future hydrogen economy through differentiated international exchange activities based on world-class cryogenic technology.”
Dr. Jae-Myung Lee, Director of the Hydrogen Ship Technology Center at PNU, echoed the sentiment:
“The collaboration between our university and Lloyd’s Register is a differentiated international exchange activity based on world-class ultra-low temperature technology. It will be an important turning point for further advancement in the utilisation of liquid hydrogen, a key field in the future hydrogen economy.”
“We will make joint efforts to create synergies in the development of ultra-low temperature research, an unexplored field for human society.”
Supporting the Future Hydrogen Economy
With growing international momentum behind the hydrogen economy, this partnership stands as a model for cross-border collaboration in maritime decarbonisation. As hydrogen becomes increasingly viable for long-haul shipping, investments in carrier infrastructure, safety, and cryogenic engineering are critical to enabling global hydrogen transport at scale.
By joining forces, Lloyd’s Register and PNU are not only laying the technical and academic foundation for safe and commercially viable LH2 carriers, but also helping define regulatory and operational frameworks that will shape the next generation of green shipping.
About Lloyd’s Register (LR)
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group, known for its expertise in marine engineering, technology, and digital solutions. Founded over 260 years ago, LR provides classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries. It plays a leading role in helping the maritime sector transition to zero-emission technologies, offering solutions that support fleet and voyage optimization.
Source Lloyd’s Register