Partnership develops guidelines for ammonia bunkering

The collaboration between Korean Register (KR), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), KSS Line and the Liberian Registry aims to create international benchmarks in a crucial move toward the safe integration of ammonia as a marine fuel.

Unlike LNG and methanol, which have established bunkering standards, ammonia currently lacks standardised safety protocols.

“With the expected rise in ammonia bunkering demand driven by the construction of more ammonia-fuelled vessels, this collaborative effort to establish safety standards is highly significant,” commented Kim Yeontae, executive vice president of KR’s technical division.

Under the MoU, HD KSOE will conduct risk assessments, while HD HHI and KSS Line will focus on controlled zones and safety measures for ammonia carriers.

KR will oversee compliance and issue approval in principle whilst the Liberian Registry will ensure the validity of these procedures.

“Just as we observed with the initial adoption of LNG STS bunkering, it is critical to establish regulations and procedures for ammonia as well,” said Kim Jungsik, managing director of the Korea Office at the Liberian Registry.

“Our Innovation and Energy Transition team will thoroughly review the safety protocols and support the development of international standards.”