Hyundai Motor Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pyeongtaek City to transform Pyeongtaek Port into a carbon-free green hydrogen port, marking the first introduction of hydrogen energy infrastructure at a domestic port terminal. The collaboration aims to support Korea’s carbon neutrality goals and establish Pyeongtaek Port as a central hub for green shipping routes with zero carbon emissions during maritime transport.
The MOU, signed on Nov. 11, was attended by Ken Ramirez, vice president of Hyundai Motor Group’s Energy and Hydrogen Business Division, Jung Jang-seon, mayor of Pyeongtaek City, and Do Kyeong-sik, director of the Pyeongtaek Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries.
Under the agreement, Hyundai Motor Group and Pyeongtaek City will jointly develop technologies and projects for introducing hydrogen fuel cell (FC) generators at Kia and Hyundai Glovis facilities within the port. The initiative includes building hydrogen production and supply infrastructure, establishing hydrogen charging stations for trucks, deploying hydrogen-powered port equipment, and developing hydrogen-ammonia bunkering facilities to support green maritime operations.
The project also aims to create a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem by establishing a hydrogen-based power supply structure near Pyeongtaek Port. This will be supported by a broader green hydrogen supply chain through the import of green ammonia. Hyundai Motor Co. will lead hydrogen business development, while Kia and Hyundai Glovis will oversee the introduction and operation of hydrogen-powered systems. Pyeongtaek City will handle administrative coordination and infrastructure management, and the Pyeongtaek Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries will assist with permits and implementation processes. Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek Port Corp. will manage regulatory improvements.
Hyundai Motor Group Vice President Ken Ramirez said, “This business agreement is an example of public-private cooperation to jointly achieve the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ hydrogen port policy goals and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s hydrogen city policy goals,” adding that it is “particularly meaningful as we are pursuing Korea’s first eco-friendly power supply infrastructure within ports through Pyeongtaek Port and others.”
As part of its hydrogen city initiative, Pyeongtaek City also plans to build hydrogen pipelines connecting the hydrogen production complex near the port to the Gyeonggi Free Economic Zone (Poseung District), further expanding the region’s clean energy infrastructure.
