KR develops ammonia after-treatment system

The system, Korea’s first microwave catalyst-heating exhaust gas after-treatment technology for MW-class ammonia engines, has been validated through a land-based demonstration at the KR Green Ship Test & Certification Center.

“For the commercialisation of ammonia-fueled vessels, securing exhaust gas after-treatment technology is just as important as fuel technology itself,” said KIM Daeheon, executive vice president of KR.

“Through this demonstration, we have validated the effectiveness of the jointly developed system and plan to expand its application to various dual-fuel engines, supporting the transition toward carbon-free shipping.”

Emissions reduction

Tests confirmed a 95% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and a 99.7% reduction in ammonia (NH₃), cutting ammonia slip from 10,000 ppm to just 30 ppm.

The project forms part of KR’s government-funded initiative “Comprehensive Management Technology Development for Ship Greenhouse Gas Emissions,” supported by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion. 

This collaborative project also involves HD Hyundai Marine Solution, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology and other leading institutions, reflecting a comprehensive approach to ship building innovation.

The news follows the news last month that a KR working group had been launched to develop global safety management and marine discharge standards for ammonia effluent generated by ammonia-fuelled ships, addressing a critical regulatory gap as the maritime industry moves toward zero-carbon fuels.