The Korean Register (KR) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries have partnered to establish operational frameworks for ammonia-fueled vessels, supporting South Korea’s Green Shipping Route project. Following successful sea trials of an ammonia dual-fuel gas carrier, the initiative leverages collected operational data to build domestic technical standards and advance global maritime decarbonization.
Seoul, South Korea | July 14, 2026 – In a major milestone for global maritime decarbonization, the Korean Register (KR) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have announced a strategic collaboration to establish a robust domestic operating environment for ammonia-fueled vessels.
The landmark initiative forms a core component of the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ ongoing “Green Shipping Route Construction Support Project”.
Verifying Next-Generation Alternative Marine Fuels
As international pressure mounts to meet strict greenhouse gas reduction targets, ammonia has emerged as one of the most promising carbon-free marine fuels. To accelerate its adoption, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries recently completed successful sea trials for South Korea’s first ammonia dual-fuel propulsion vessel.
During the trials, engineers closely measured the performance of the vessel’s advanced fuel supply system and engine. The operational data gathered during this process will serve as a critical baseline asset for KR as it drafts official domestic eco-friendly vessel operation guidelines and shapes broader global decarbonization strategies.
Highlighting the significance of the achievement, an official from HD Hyundai stated:
“We were able to achieve significant progress in the field of ammonia fuel utilization based on the group’s R&D capabilities and on-site technical expertise. We expect this to contribute to the creation of an eco-friendly fuel-based shipping ecosystem and the strengthening of the competitiveness of the domestic shipbuilding industry.”
Kim Dae-heon, Head of Research at KR, added:
“Thanks to the close exchange between KR and HD Hyundai, we were able to establish the technical foundation for the introduction of ammonia-fueled ships in Korea. We will continue to successfully lead national projects together with HD Hyundai and establish technical standards befitting the era of green shipping routes.”
About HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI)
Founded by the late Chung Ju-yung on March 23, 1972, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries wrote the opening chapter of modern Korean shipbuilding history in June 1974 by simultaneously completing the world’s largest shipyard and two 260,000-DWT VLCCs. Surpassing 10 million deadweight tons in aggregate production just a decade later, HHI has anchored its position at the pinnacle of the global shipbuilding market, expanding its footprint across diverse heavy industry sectors.
About Korean Register (KR)
Established in 1960, the Korean Register is a world-renowned classification society dedicated to technical service excellence. Providing cradle-to-grave support for ships and marine structures, including compliance verification, rigorous R&D, and technical assistance—KR’s team of seasoned naval architects and engineers works tirelessly to promote the safety of life and property at sea while advancing robust environmental protection standards.
Source: KR