Ammonia is emerging as a prominent alternative fuel as the global maritime sector intensifies efforts to meet decarbonization goals. Its potential as a zero-carbon fuel makes it an attractive option for sustainable shipping, especially in comparison to conventional fuels and other alternatives like LNG.
Advantages and Challenges of Ammonia Fuel
While ammonia offers cost-effectiveness and efficiency, its high toxicity and corrosive nature necessitate specially designed fuel propulsion systems. These systems require enhanced safety measures, taking operational risks into consideration to ensure secure handling.
Innovative Vessel Design by Samsung Heavy Industries
SHI’s 9,300 TEU ammonia-fueled container ship incorporates a groundbreaking structural layout designed to accommodate ammonia as a fuel. This includes specialized fuel tanks, a custom fuel supply system, and advanced safety features such as ventilation and gas detection systems, all engineered to handle ammonia’s unique properties.
KR’s Approval and Safety Assurance
KR assessed and verified SHI’s design, ensuring it meets international safety standards and classification rules. After confirming the integrity and operational safety of the vessel’s ammonia fuel system, KR granted its Approval in Principle, endorsing the ship’s compliance with global maritime regulations.
Industry Leaders Comment on the Milestone
KR’s Chairman and CEO, LEE Hyungchul, emphasized the significance of this development for the commercialization of large ammonia-fueled container ships. He reaffirmed KR’s commitment to supporting innovation in decarbonization technologies.
SHI’s Executive Vice President and CTO, JANG Haeki, highlighted the vessel’s eco-friendly design and the company’s dedication to advancing carbon-neutral solutions to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving shipbuilding market.
This joint effort between KR and SHI represents a crucial step toward the future of ammonia-fueled ships, with both organizations pushing forward the commercialization of next-generation, sustainable shipping technologies.
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Source: Korean Register
