Classification society Korean Register (KR) has published a technical report outlining the safety regulations and resulting design implications for ammonia-fuelled ships
The report provides information for industry stakeholders including shipowners, shipyards, and equipment companies for the construction of ammonia-fuelled ships.
As the shipping industry looks for alternatives to conventional diesel fuel, ammonia has emerged as a serious contender. The fuel is widely available with numerous large-scale production facilities around the world, is relatively easy to store and handle, and has a high energy potential for generating electricity for propulsion.
KR’s technical report analyses the characteristics of ammonia, comparing it with other next-generation fuels. It provides information on the safety measures for ammonia when used as a conventional fertilizer, refrigerant and industrial fuel, together with the safety regulations for onshore storage facilities and measures to be taken when loading ships with ammonia as cargo.
The report also examines the development status of ammonia fuel cells and internal combustion engines, and discusses international requirements, such as the IGC Code and IGF Code, which will inform future regulations.
KR executive vice president technical division Kim Yeon-tae said “We are confident this new report provides our customers with the information they will need when designing a ship to accommodate ammonia, allowing them to adopt this long-term competitive marine fuel option. We will continue to work with our customers and the wider maritime industry, including design companies and other related organisations, to accelerate the construction of ammonia-fuelled ships."
In 2019, KR published a prior technical report Forecasting the Alternative Marine Fuel – Ammonia. In H2 2020, KR completed a risk assessment, granted approval in principle (AiP) and signed an MOU with East Martime Engineering & Consulting, a ship design company, engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions, and ship management firm Navig8, all with the aim of promoting the use of alternative, cleaner fuels.
The technical report can be accessed here.
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