Ammonia vessel trial drives South Korea standards push

The first dual-fuel ship test provides technical data for future vessel guidelines.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has completed a sea trial of South Korea’s first ammonia dual-fuel propulsion vessel, with Korean Register (KR) using data from the trial to support operating guidelines.

KR said in a statement that it will use data from the trial to support the development of domestic guidelines for environmentally friendly vessel operations under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Green Shipping Corridor Construction Support Project.

The trial collected operational data from the vessel’s ammonia fuel supply system and engine, which the classification society said would provide a technical foundation for future ammonia-fuelled vessel standards and maritime decarbonisation efforts.

The project also supports the development of ammonia as a next-generation marine fuel under the ministry’s initiative.

An HD Hyundai spokesperson said the company’s R&D capabilities and technical expertise had supported progress in ammonia fuel applications, adding that the development could strengthen sustainable maritime operations and South Korea’s shipbuilding competitiveness.

“The close collaboration between KR and HD Hyundai has enabled us to build the technical foundation for introducing ammonia-fuelled vessels in Korea,” said Kim Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR’s R&D Division.