Korea Register (KR)- In a significant development for the maritime industry, a new partnership has been established to develop safety guidelines for ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia bunkering. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between five key industry players: Korean Register (KR), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), KSS Line, and the Liberian Registry.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel
With the global shipping industry moving towards alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions, ammonia has emerged as a promising solution. However, the absence of standardized guidelines for the safe handling and bunkering of ammonia remains a challenge. This partnership aims to fill that gap by developing robust safety protocols for STS ammonia bunkering, providing a foundation for the safe and efficient refueling of ammonia-powered vessels.
While ship-to-ship bunkering procedures for LNG and methanol have been well-defined through international standards, ammonia lacks similar comprehensive guidelines. Given the unique risks associated with ammonia as a marine fuel, including its toxic and corrosive nature, the establishment of clear safety standards is crucial.
Collaborative Approach to Set New Safety Standards
The consortium of companies brings together a wealth of expertise and experience:
- HD KSOE will lead risk assessments, aligning with established international industry standards. These assessments will address potential hazards and outline preventive measures for the safe transfer of ammonia fuel between vessels.
- HD HHI and KSS Line will leverage their extensive knowledge in the design and operation of alternative-fuel vessels, including ammonia carriers. They will focus on defining controlled zones and safety procedures tailored for ammonia STS bunkering.
- Korean Register (KR) will play a key role in verifying the safety procedures developed through this collaboration. KR will conduct rigorous evaluations and issue an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate, validating the proposed guidelines.
- The Liberian Registry, which manages the world’s largest fleet by gross tonnage, will review the safety protocols to ensure their applicability across its registered vessels. The Registry’s expertise will support the development of international standards that can be adopted globally.
Industry Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Safety Standards
KIM Yeontae, Executive Vice President of KR’s technical division, underscored the significance of the initiative, stating, “With the anticipated rise in ammonia bunkering demand driven by the growing fleet of ammonia-fueled vessels, establishing safety standards is vital. KR is dedicated to advancing ammonia fuel technology and playing a key role in the industry’s decarbonization efforts through this collaboration.”
KIM Jungsik, Managing Director of the Korea Office at the Liberian Registry, added, “Drawing from our experience with LNG STS bunkering, we recognize the importance of developing robust regulations and procedures for ammonia. Our Innovation and Energy Transition team will conduct a comprehensive review of the safety protocols and contribute to shaping international standards for ammonia bunkering.”
This partnership marks a significant step forward in the development of international guidelines for the safe bunkering of ammonia, a key fuel in the transition towards a greener maritime industry. By bringing together leading industry experts, the initiative aims to set a new benchmark for safety, supporting the adoption of ammonia as a viable marine fuel and advancing the global decarbonization agenda.
About Korean Register
Founded in 1960, the Korean Register (KR) is a leading classification society renowned for its technical service excellence. KR offers a wide range of services for ships and marine structures, including technical support, compliance verification, and R&D services. The organization is committed to enhancing the safety of life and property at sea while promoting environmental protection.
KR’s team of highly skilled professionals leverages their extensive experience in shipbuilding, shipping, and engineering to stay at the forefront of industry developments, continuously improving safety and compliance standards across the maritime sector.
Source Korean Register