ABS has awarded Approval in Principle (AIP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM ammonia-capable bunker vessel. Announced at Gastech 2026, the milestone follows a joint development project evaluating the ship’s cargo handling, fuel supply systems, and safety architecture. This design marks a vital step forward in establishing the necessary bunkering infrastructure to support the commercialization and safe adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.
Bangkok, Thailand | September 21, 2026 – Highlighting the rapid acceleration of alternative marine fuels infrastructure, leading classification society ABS has awarded Approval in Principle (AIP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM ammonia-capable bunker vessel.
Unveiled at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, the milestone achievement is the culmination of a joint development project (JDP) launched earlier this year. ABS rigorously evaluated the vessel’s architecture, verifying its general arrangement, machinery layout, ammonia cargo handling systems, and specialized fuel supply setups against stringent international codes and class rules.
Designing for Safety in Ammonia Bunkering
As shipping looks to green ammonia as a key pathway toward net-zero emissions, developing a safe, scalable physical supply chain remains a primary bottleneck for the industry.
“Bunkering infrastructure is a critical step for any marine fuel to scale, and it has to be implemented with safety designed in from the start,” said Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering. “This AIP reflects the industry’s need for fuel flexibility while advancing the safe bunkering of ammonia. ABS is proud to support HD HHI and HD KSOE as they develop technologies that expand fuel flexibility.”
The classification society and the HD Hyundai group share a history of collaboration in tackling the complex toxicity and engineering challenges of ammonia marine fuel. Previous cooperative milestones include an AIP for HD KSOE’s specialized ammonia cargo handling and bunkering system, alongside initial plan reviews for HD HHI’s innovative engine room machinery arrangements.
Accelerating Commercialization
With shipowners increasingly committing to dual-fuel ammonia specifications, the maritime market anticipates a surge in demand for purpose-built bunker ships capable of safely transferring the zero-carbon fuel to deep-sea vessels.
Ryu Hong-Ryeul, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of HD HHI, noted the commercial significance of the recent approval “As ammonia rapidly emerges as a viable low-carbon alternative fuel, demand for ammonia bunkering vessels is expected to grow in line with the increasing adoption of ammonia-fueled ships. This AIP marks a significant milestone toward the commercialization of ammonia bunkering vessels.”
The collaborative design sets a benchmark for the next wave of green bunkering assets, addressing the operational, regulatory, and safety barriers required to make ship-to-ship ammonia transfers a commercial reality at major global ports.
About HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is a global shipbuilding and engineering company providing a wide range of maritime solutions across commercial and offshore sectors. The company continues to contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable ship technologies through its advanced design and engineering capabilities.
About American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Founded in 1862 and headquartered in the United States, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a premier international classification society. ABS evaluates and certifies the technical compliance, seaworthiness, and safety of ships and offshore structures across every phase of their design, construction, and operation.
Source: American Bureau of Shipping