HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), a global leader in shipbuilding and heavy industries, has successfully developed a groundbreaking zero-carbon ammonia dual-fuel (DF) engine. This innovation, the first of its kind to feature a high-pressure ammonia direct injection method, is set to revolutionize both marine and land-based power generation, positioning the company at the forefront of eco-friendly solutions.
World’s first high-pressure ammonia direct injection engine receives model-based class approval from seven major classification societies.
On October 7, 2024, HD HHI announced that its “HiMSEN Ammonia Dual-Fuel Engine” (model: H22CDF-LA) had completed the rigorous model-based class approval testing at the company’s Engine Technology Center in Ulsan, South Korea. The testing process was attended by representatives from seven major classification societies, including ABS (USA), DNV (Norway), LR (UK), BV (France), RINA (Italy), NK (Japan), and KR (Korea). This approval marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of the world’s first high-pressure ammonia engine.
A Technological Breakthrough in Sustainable Shipping
The HiMSEN Ammonia DF Engine is designed for a variety of applications, including marine power generation, ship propulsion, and even land-based power generation. The engine’s advanced high-pressure direct injection technology offers enhanced output, fuel efficiency, and a notable reduction in harmful emissions, including nitrogen dioxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas.
Historically, ammonia engines have relied on a low-pressure premixed combustion method, which combines ammonia with air in the engine’s combustion chamber. However, HD HHI’s new high-pressure system injects ammonia directly into the chamber after compressing the air, resulting in more efficient combustion and reduced environmental impact.
Despite the high level of technical complexity required, HD HHI overcame significant challenges in the development process. The company fine-tuned fuel injection timing and duration to optimize the combustion rate. Additionally, the integration of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system minimizes nitrogen oxide emissions and unburned ammonia, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering‘s proprietary Integrated Scrubber technology also helps drastically reduce ammonia concentrations.
Class Approval from Major Societies
Receiving model-based class approval from seven prominent classification societies demonstrates the engine’s safety, reliability, and compliance with international standards. This positions HD HHI’s ammonia engine as a game-changing solution for shipbuilders and shipping companies aiming to meet stringent global emissions targets.
HD HHI plans to begin the commercial rollout of the HiMSEN ammonia engine in the near future, catering not only to ammonia carriers but also expanding its offering to broader marine and land-based markets.
Leading the Eco-Friendly Shipbuilding Market
An official from HD HHI emphasized the significance of this development: “The ammonia engine is a major breakthrough that allows us to diversify our eco-friendly dual-fuel engine lineup. We aim to leverage this advanced technology to maintain a leading position in the future eco-friendly shipbuilding market.”
HD HHI’s investment in sustainable innovation aligns with the global push towards decarbonization, especially within the maritime sector. With increasing pressure to reduce emissions, ammonia is emerging as a promising Low-carbon fuel, and HD HHI’s advancements in ammonia engine technology may accelerate its adoption across the industry.
With the development of its high-pressure ammonia dual-fuel engine, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is setting new benchmarks for eco-friendly innovation in the shipbuilding and energy sectors. As the company moves toward commercializing this groundbreaking engine, it remains well-positioned to lead the global transition toward zero-carbon technologies in both maritime and land-based power generation.
About HD Hyundai
Founded in 1972 in Ulsan, South Korea, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries began as a small shipbuilding operation and has since grown into a global leader in the heavy industries and energy sectors. The company’s portfolio spans shipbuilding, marine engineering, oil refining, petrochemicals, and smart energy management.
In 2022, to mark its 50th anniversary, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group rebranded itself as HD Hyundai, underscoring its commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions. Today, HD Hyundai operates through three main business divisions: shipbuilding, heavy equipment, and energy. These divisions are managed by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Genuine, and Hyundai Oilbank, respectively.
KSOE oversees HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding subsidiaries, including Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. Hyundai Genuine manages the company’s heavy equipment businesses, including Hyundai Doosan Infracore and Hyundai Construction Equipment. Meanwhile, Hyundai Oilbank stands as one of South Korea’s largest oil refiners.
Source HD Hyundai Heavy Industries