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KOREAN REGISTER OKS SAMSUNG HEAVY INDUSTRIES’ AMMONIA-FUELED SHIP
September 18, 2024
Korean Register (KR) announced that it has awarded Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) an Approval in Principle (AiP) for its 9,300 TEU Ammonia-Fueled Container Ship.
The South Korean classification society noted that as the global maritime industry intensifies efforts to meet stricter decarbonization targets, ammonia is gaining prominence as a potential zero-carbon fuel.
[Source: Korean Register]
"In light of the current trends, recent LNG-fueled container ships have adopted designs that allow the use of ammonia fuel for its sustainable option," KR said.
It noted that ammonia fuel presents advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency compared to other alternative fuels.
However, due to its high toxicity and corrosive properties, it requires a specially designed fuel propulsion system, as well as additional safety assessments that take the operational requirements into consideration.
Advancing ammonia technology
"The development of this 9,300 TEU ammonia-fueled container vessel marks a key step in advancing ammonia-fueled propulsion technology," KR said.
It noted that SHI have developed an entirely new structural layout and the vessel’s design which includes specialized fuel tanks, fuel supply systems, ventilation, and gas detection systems, incorporating the unique properties of ammonia fuel.
KR added that it verified this newly developed vessel's design and ammonia fuel system, ensuring compliance with classification rules and international regulations, and granted AiP after confirming the integrity and safety of the entire system.
"This joint development is a significant step toward the commercialization of large ammonia-fueled container ships. KR will continue to provide technical support for the innovations in decarbonization solutions," said Hyungchul Lee, chairman and CEO of KR.
Haeki Jang, executive vice president and CTO of SHI, said that the 9,300 TEU ammonia-fueled container ship incorporates SHI's leading eco-friendly technologies.
"We will continue to accelerate the development of carbon-neutral solutions to secure our competitive edge in the next-generation ship market," he added.
