Hyundai Steel (004020) is joining forces with DNV, the global classification and certification body based in Norway, to establish an international standards certification framework for steel products used in transporting and storing future energy sources such as hydrogen and ammonia. The strategy aims to preemptively secure technological competitiveness in high-value-added steel products in anticipation of the expanding green energy market.
Hyundai Steel announced on August 11 that it signed a “Memorandum of Understanding on Future Energy Steel and Welding Technology Certification Framework and Joint Technology Development” with DNV’s classification business division at its South Korean headquarters in Busan’s Haeundae district on August 10.
Under the agreement, the two parties will jointly develop performance evaluation and verification technologies for steel used in future energy transportation and storage, and establish testing and assessment methods that reflect actual operating environments. In particular, they plan to focus on verifying the reliability of welded joints—considered the most vulnerable points in ships and offshore plants—while expanding the certification foundation aligned with international standards.
This collaboration comes as the global transition to decarbonized energy accelerates, making the safety and reliability of materials for ships and offshore plants that transport and store ammonia and hydrogen a critical competitive factor. These energy sources are more corrosive and prone to embrittlement compared to conventional fossil fuels, making high-performance steel capable of withstanding extreme environments and rigorous verification procedures essential.
The division of roles has been clearly defined. Hyundai Steel will conduct testing and analysis of steel products and welded joints using its in-house research infrastructure and material development and evaluation capabilities. DNV, meanwhile, will leverage its expertise in inspection, certification, and international standards development for the shipbuilding and offshore plant sectors to provide evaluation criteria and technical advisory services. The results of this joint research will also be actively utilized for future technology standardization and expanding the international certification foundation.
Hyundai Steel expects this agreement to significantly strengthen its full-cycle technological competitiveness, spanning from the product development stage through performance evaluation to final certification. A Hyundai Steel representative stated, “Through our collaboration with DNV, we will enhance the performance and reliability of steel products demanded by the global energy market and proactively build technological competitiveness that meets international standards.”