With the maritime industry increasingly focused on decarbonization, ammonia is emerging as a promising zero-carbon fuel. Recent designs of LNG-fueled ships have been adapted to accommodate ammonia, offering a more sustainable alternative. Ammonia's cost-effectiveness and efficiency make it an attractive option; however, its toxic and corrosive nature demands a specialized propulsion system and rigorous safety measures to ensure operational reliability.
The development of SHI’s 9,300 TEU ammonia-fueled vessel is a significant milestone in advancing ammonia-based propulsion. The design includes specialized fuel tanks, fuel supply systems, ventilation, and gas detection systems, all tailored to the specific requirements of ammonia fuel.
KR validated the ship’s design and fuel system, ensuring compliance with international regulations and safety standards before issuing the AiP.
KR Chairman and CEO Lee Hyungchul emphasized the importance of this development, stating: "This collaboration represents a major step toward commercializing large ammonia-fueled container ships. KR will continue supporting innovations in decarbonization technologies."
SHI's Executive Vice President and CTO, Jang Haeki, highlighted the shipyard’s commitment to sustainability: "Our 9,300 TEU ammonia-fueled container ship integrates SHI’s cutting-edge eco-friendly technologies. We will continue to drive forward carbon-neutral solutions to maintain our competitive edge in next-generation shipbuilding."