HHI furthers on its path to ramp up CCS project in Korea bolstering its footprint in carbon neutrality

To fast-track its commitment to carbon neutrality, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has embarked on Korea's most significant carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.

The shipbuilding division, associated with HD Hyundai, recently formalized a preliminary basic design contract with Hyundai Engineering & Construction. This collaboration aims to establish a groundbreaking carbon dioxide (CO2) subsea underground storage facility.

This initiative, labeled the 'Donghae Gas Field Utilisation CCS Project,' is led by the Korea National Oil Corporation in tandem with Hyundai Engineering & Construction. The principal objective here is to enhance Korea's National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target. The vision is to capture and redirect 1.2 million tons of CO2 emissions every year from local industrial zones to the East Sea Gas Field.

While HHI is responsible for the offshore platform's blueprint, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering has the mandate to craft the CO2 injection apparatus.

The Donghae Gas Field stands out, given that it marked Korea's entry into the realm of gas fields. Notably, HHI had crafted a production platform for it in 2004. This development was instrumental in positioning Korea amongst oil-producing countries. Though its operations concluded in 2021, the field is undergoing a metamorphosis to become Korea's premier CO2 storage site.

In 2021, HHI and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, in collaboration with the Korea National Oil Corporation, pioneered the 'Korean-style marine CO2 injection platform.' This initiative achieved basic design certification from notable entities like Norwegian DNV Shipping and the American Bureau of Shipping.

An HHI spokesperson underscored the project's relevance, highlighting the East Sea gas field's transformation into a pivotal hub for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The official commented, "Drawing from our extensive experience in the offshore plant sector, we pledge to present a top-tier offshore platform."

Additionally, in 2021, HHI actively participated in the 'Development of a mid-scale CCS integrated demonstration model using the East Sea gas field,' a project supported by multiple national ministries.

Furthermore, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, along with HHI, bolstered their global footprint. They received a crucial AIP from ABS for their innovative 2MTPA class floating CO2 subsea underground storage offshore platform design. This move could potentially grant them access to international CCS markets, especially in regions like Australia and Southeast Asia.

According to the article by Procurement Resource, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has initiated Korea's largest carbon capture and storage (CCS) project to expedite carbon neutrality. Collaborating with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, the project aims to establish a subsea underground storage facility for CO2.

The 'Donghae Gas Field Utilisation CCS Project' aims to redirect 1.2 million tons of CO2 emissions annually from local industries to the East Sea Gas Field. While HHI will design the offshore platform, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering will develop the CO2 injection equipment. The Donghae Gas Field, which ceased operations in 2021, is being repurposed as Korea's primary CO2 storage site. HHI and its affiliates have also earned certifications for their 'Korean-style marine CO2 injection platform' and aim to expand into global CCS markets.