HD Hyundai Receives ABS Approval for Breakerless MVDC Ship Propulsion System

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) have obtained the world’s first New Technology Qualification (NTQ) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a breakerless medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) power system for ships. The MVDC system, based on HD Hyundai’s modular propulsion drive technology, is designed for both commercial and naval vessels. The NTQ confirms the system’s technical feasibility and readiness for deployment. The approval follows a collaboration between ABS, HD HHI, and HD KSOE announced in May 2024. The joint programme has focused on assessing the MVDC design, qualifying the technology, and developing rule guidelines to clarify technical specifications, safety protocols, and compliance requirements for such systems. According to HD KSOE, the MVDC platform is expected to contribute to the electrification of large vessels and ship systems. The company has previously developed and tested a low-voltage direct current (LVDC) system in multiple projects, including Ulsan Taehwa, recognised as South Korea’s first dual-fuel smart electric vessel.