Paris, France | September 24, 2025 – MISC Berhad (MISC) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) for the design of the world’s first ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) technology. The AiP affirms the concept’s technical feasibility and initial compliance with applicable classification rules, industry codes, and safety standards.
The vessel design is part of a strategic Joint Development Project (JDP) between MISC, SHI, and BV. It incorporates PEMFC technology developed by Vinssen, integrated with an Ammonia Cracking System (ACS) engineered by Panasia Co. Ltd. This configuration supports full-scale propulsion, cargo operations, and onboard energy requirements—an advancement beyond prior fuel cell applications limited to smaller vessels or auxiliary power.
Key Features of the Vessel Design
The ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker has been developed in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonization goals. Key features and benefits of the vessel include:
- Zero Direct Emissions: Eliminates onboard CO₂ emissions by using ammonia as a clean fuel.
- Regulatory Readiness: Complies with existing environmental standards and positions operators for future carbon regulations and taxation.
- Operational Efficiency: Utilizes fuel cell technology with reduced moving parts, offering potential maintenance and fuel cost savings.
- Scalability: The vessel’s architecture is designed to be a platform for wider adoption of ammonia-based fuel cell technologies across larger fleets.
Project Partners Perspectives
Zahid Osman, President and Group CEO of MISC, emphasized the role of cross-sector partnerships in pushing the boundaries of maritime innovation “We firmly believe that collaboration is the catalyst for maritime transformation. Through this partnership, we are #deliveringProgress by uniting industry leaders to realize a future driven by new technologies that address our greatest challenges—energy transition and decarbonization.”
“This AiP is more than a technical validation; it is a proof of what can be achieved when ambition meets collaboration. Together with SHI and BV, we are creating solutions that will set new standards and inspire broader adoption across the industry.” said Zahid Osman
Haeki Jang, CTO of Samsung Heavy Industries, hailed the achievement as a testament to SHI’s leadership in sustainable shipbuilding “Our ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker powered by fuel cells is a true step forward—delivering zero emissions, improving operational efficiency, and offering real scalability for commercial fleets. It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to advanced green technologies and sustainable growth.”
Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President for Industrials and Commodities at Bureau Veritas, echoed the significance of the moment “This Approval in Principle represents not only a technological milestone but also the power of strong partnerships. We are proud to support MISC and SHI in advancing ammonia-fueled PEM fuel cell technologies—solutions that combine innovation, safety, and sustainability. BV remains committed to supporting viable and scalable alternative fuel solutions for the industry’s greener future.”
Defining Roles in a Historic Project:
- MISC serves as the ship owner and operator, leading on commercial feasibility, operational considerations, and market integration.
- Samsung Heavy Industries contributes its world-renowned shipbuilding and system integration expertise, leading the vessel’s design and engineering development.
- Bureau Veritas, as the classification society, is responsible for regulatory compliance, safety assurance, and issuing the AiP based on the current BV Rules for classification.
This AiP serves as independent validation of the vessel’s concept design, confirming that it complies with applicable international regulations, safety criteria, and classification standards.
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About the Approval in Principle (AiP)
The AiP signifies that Bureau Veritas has reviewed the conceptual design of the ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker, affirming its technical feasibility and initial compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and engineering standards. It is a critical milestone that allows the project to proceed toward detailed design, construction, and eventual commercial deployment.
Setting Sail Toward Net-Zero
This milestone represents a tangible step in maritime’s decarbonization journey—demonstrating that clean ammonia combined with fuel cell technology is no longer an abstract concept, but a viable solution for large-scale commercial vessels.
With this achievement, MISC, SHI, and BV have not only delivered a technological first—they have set a new course for an industry in urgent need of transformation.
About Samsung Heavy Industries
Since its establishment in 1974, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has cemented its position as a global leader in the shipbuilding and offshore engineering sectors. With a strategic focus on pioneering innovation and maintaining technical excellence, SHI has delivered some of the world’s most advanced and complex marine and offshore structures.
As of December 31, 2020, SHI has secured orders for 1,285 ships and offshore facilities, with 1,179 units successfully delivered. These figures reflect not only the scale of the company’s operations but also its proven track record in fulfilling demanding, high-specification projects for global clients.
About MISC Berhad
MISC Group is a world leading provider of international energy related maritime solutions and services. The principal businesses of the Group comprise of energy shipping and its related activities, owning and operating offshore floating solutions, marine repair and conversion, engineering and construction works, integrated marine services, port management and maritime services as well as maritime education and training. Operating a modern and diversified fleet and backed by a workforce of over 8,800 employees from all over the world; we are committed to creating value for our stakeholders and contributing to the sustainability of maritime industry.
About Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
Since 1828, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has been at the forefront of ship classification and offshore safety, helping to shape a safer and more sustainable maritime world. With a global network of experts, we support clients across all stages of the vessel lifecycle—design, construction, operation, and compliance—delivering practical, technically sound solutions backed by nearly two centuries of marine engineering expertise. Our mission is to guide the maritime industry toward a low-carbon future by helping clients navigate complex regulatory, operational, and environmental challenges with confidence and clarity.
As part of the Bureau Veritas Group, a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, we bring a global perspective to every project and a deep understanding of the interconnected blue economy. Through our classification services, statutory expertise, and BV Solutions M&O technical advisory division, we work alongside shipowners, shipyards, designers, and operators to safeguard life at sea, protect assets, and preserve the marine environment. At Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, we are committed to shaping a better maritime world for generations to come.
Source: Bureau Veritas