Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Obtains First Domestic Certification for Ammonia-Powered Ship

Representatives from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Man Energy Solutions, and Lloyd's Register are posing for a commemorative photo at the AIP (Approval in Principle) award ceremony for ammonia-powered ships held recently at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard's Ulsan headquarters. From the third person from the left: Nam Young-jun, Executive Vice President and Head of Design Division at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard; Cha Sang-bae, Managing Director and Head of Marketing Division at Man Energy Solutions; Kim Young-doo, Head of Far East Asia Technology Division at Lloyd's Register.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has obtained certification for an ammonia-powered ship for the first time in Korea.

Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, a subsidiary of Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, announced on the 23rd that it recently received a basic class certification for an ammonia fuel-powered vessel from Lloyd's Register (LR) in the UK.

The joint development project for ammonia-powered ships has been underway since October last year, involving Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, global engine maker MAN Energy Solutions, and Lloyd's Register.

Hyundai Mipo Dockyard was responsible for the basic design of the ammonia propulsion system. MAN Energy Solutions developed and specified the ammonia dual-fuel propulsion engine, while Lloyd's Register reviewed the suitability and risks of the design.

Ammonia is an eco-friendly, carbon-free alternative fuel that emits no carbon dioxide during combustion, attracting industry attention for its economic feasibility and supply stability.

In particular, with this technological achievement, the commercialization of ammonia-powered ships will enable compliance not only with the 2030 International Maritime Organization (IMO) greenhouse gas reduction regulations but also with the 2050 IMO regulations, which require reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70%.

The three companies, including Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, plan to commercialize ammonia-powered ships by 2025.

Nam Young-jun, head of the design division at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, stated, "Based on this certification, we will proactively respond to the 2050 IMO greenhouse gas reduction regulations and develop capabilities to lead eco-friendly technology development."

Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering delivered the world's first large LNG-powered crude oil carrier in July 2018 and is leading the eco-friendly ship sector by conducting research and development on alternative fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, in addition to LNG fuel-powered vessels.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.