Korea Register (KR) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industry have agreed to cooperate on developing a domestic operating environment for ammonia-fuelled vessels, as South Korea looks to expand its green shipping capabilities.

The initiative, announced on 14 July, forms part of the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' 'Green Shipping Route Construction Support Project' and centres on the verification of the eco-friendliness of ammonia-fuelled ships.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industry recently completed commissioning of what is described as South Korea's first ammonia dual-fuel propulsion vessel, during which measurements were taken of the fuel supply system and engine performance. According to KR, the operational data gathered during this process will feed into the establishment of domestic eco-friendly vessel navigation guidelines and inform a broader global maritime decarbonisation strategy.

KR said the two organisations' collaboration had helped lay a technical foundation for the introduction of ammonia-fuel propulsion vessels into domestic service, and that it intends to continue work with HD Hyundai on the national project while developing technical standards for the green shipping era.

HD Hyundai said the progress made in ammonia fuel utilisation was built on the group's research and development capabilities and field technology. "Based on the R&D capabilities and field technology of the group, we were able to make meaningful progress in the field of ammonia fuel utilisation," an HD Hyundai official said. "It is expected to contribute to the creation of an eco-friendly fuel-based shipping ecosystem and the strengthening of the competitiveness of the domestic shipbuilding industry in the future."

KR added: "Because of the close interaction between KR and HD Hyundai, we were able to establish a technical foundation for the introduction of domestic ammonia-fuel propulsion ships. We will continue to successfully lead the national project together with HD Hyundai and establish technical standards in accordance with the era of green shipping routes."