Lloyd’s Register and Samsung Heavy Industries partner on green ammonia FPSO

While FPSO technology is a mainstay in the oil and gas sector, its adaptation for ammonia production represents a novel application. The planned FPSO unit will harness renewable energy to power the electrolysis of seawater, producing green hydrogen. This hydrogen will be combined with nitrogen and synthesized into green ammonia, which will then be offloaded to ammonia carriers. The project envisions integration with offshore wind farms in Europe to ensure a sustainable energy source.

Under the collaboration, SHI will lead the design of the FPSO, while LR will review SHI’s deliverables and provide technical guidance for further development.

Sean van der Post, LR’s offshore business director, emphasised the significance of the initiative: “The green ammonia market is poised to grow rapidly in the coming decades, particularly as a clean fuel alternative for the global shipping industry. LR is looking forward to collaborating with SHI to help meet this demand.”

Hae-Ki Jang, SHI’s chief technology officer, highlighted the project’s alignment with broader sustainability goals: “We are delighted to be working with Lloyd’s Register on this project as a part of our development efforts towards achieving Net-zero and pioneering advancements in green energy.”

Lloyd’s Register has established itself as a leader in the safe and sustainable adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel. Through its Fuel for Thought alternative fuels report series, LR has demonstrated expertise in supporting the maritime industry’s transition to ammonia. The classification society offers comprehensive hazard identification (HAZID), hazard and operability studies (HAZOP), quantitative risk assessments, and approvals in principle for vessel designs and technologies. It has also played a key role in advancing technical rules for ammonia’s safe use and transport.