Korean Register Withdraws Amendments on Ammonia Control For Low-Flashpoint Fuels

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Mfame Editor
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Korean Register (KR) has published a circular to notify all surveyors and relevant stakeholders regarding the withdrawal of certain amendments to the KR Technical Rules for Classification of Ships using Low-Flashpoint Fuels. The withdrawn amendments specifically concerned the “Control of Ammonia Release in Ammonia-Fueled Vessels”, which reflected the guidelines of IACS UR H1 (New, Jan 2024). The decision to withdraw these amendments follows the withdrawal of IACS UR H1 in November 2024.

Key Details of the Circular

  1. Withdrawal of Amendments:
    • The amendments related to ammonia release control in ammonia-fueled ships, which were set to reflect the latest version of IACS UR H1 (as of January 2024), have been withdrawn.
    • This withdrawal is a direct consequence of the IACS UR H1 being rescinded in November 2024.
  2. Rules for Ammonia-Fueled Ships:
    • Despite the withdrawal of certain ammonia-related amendments, the KR circular maintains crucial rules for ammonia-fueled ships, such as:
      • Systems must be implemented to prevent direct ammonia release during normal operational conditions.
      • Gas dispersion analysis is required to evaluate and manage the risks of ammonia release during abnormal or emergency situations.
      • Alarms must be installed at ammonia release points, and there should be continuous monitoring of areas where leaks might occur.
      • Appropriate actions must be in place to deal with ammonia concentrations that exceed dangerous levels (set at 300 ppm).
  3. Reference to Related Annexes:
    • The circular also refers to related Annexes that will apply to ships using other alternative low-flashpoint fuels, including methyl/ethyl alcohol, LPG, and ammonia in the future.

Implications

  1. Regulatory Impact:
    • The withdrawal of IACS UR H1 and the corresponding KR amendments reflects the ongoing evolution of ammonia and alternative fuel regulations in maritime operations.
    • Although specific provisions regarding ammonia release were withdrawn, the industry continues to prioritize ammonia safety, particularly in emergency scenarios.
  2. Future Developments:
    • The inclusion of related Annexes ensures that future ammonia and other low-flashpoint fuels, like methanol and LPG, will continue to be subject to regulatory oversight for safety and environmental standards.
  3. Focus on Safety:
    • The emphasis on gas dispersion analysis, alarm systems, and leak monitoring highlights the industry’s focus on maintaining safety standards to prevent hazardous ammonia concentrations, thereby safeguarding both crew and the environment.

KR’s circular underlines the continued importance of safety measures as ammonia is increasingly seen as a viable alternative fuel for maritime decarbonization.

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Source: DANCOMPLIANCE