MISC and Samsung Heavy Industries Secure AiP for Ammonia-Fueled LR2 Tanker with PEM Fuel Cell Technology

MISC Berhad (MISC) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) for the design of what is described as the world’s first ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) technology.

The AiP confirms both the technical feasibility of the concept and its initial conformity with applicable rules, industry codes, and standards. It was issued as part of a joint development project involving MISC, SHI, and BV.

The project is centered on designing a large-scale commercial vessel that integrates PEMFC technology developed by Vinssen alongside an Ammonia Cracking System (ACS) engineered by Panasia. According to the developers, the design aims to deliver full-scale power for vessel propulsion, cargo handling, and onboard energy needs. This marks a step beyond previous fuel cell applications, which have typically been limited to smaller vessels or auxiliary systems.

The vessel design has been developed in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations while targeting operational efficiency.

In the collaboration, MISC is positioned as the ship owner and operator, responsible for vessel operations, commercial feasibility assessments, and strategies for market adoption. SHI contributes through shipbuilding expertise, vessel design, system integration, and engineering. BV, as the classification society, carries out regulatory checks, risk assessments, and certification under its rules for classification.