KR and HD Hyundai Complete Korea’s First Ammonia Dual-Fuel Vessel Sea Trial

Korean Register (KR) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have advanced South Korea’s green shipping ambitions following the successful sea trial of the country’s first ammonia dual-fuel propulsion vessel, marking a key milestone in the development of ammonia-fuelled shipping.

The project forms part of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Green Shipping Corridor Construction Support Project, which aims to establish the technical and operational framework needed to deploy ammonia-powered vessels in domestic waters.

Korea Conducts First Ammonia Dual-Fuel Vessel Sea Trial

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries recently completed sea trials of the ammonia dual-fuel vessel, generating operational data covering the ship’s ammonia fuel supply system and dual-fuel engine.

According to KR, the trial will provide critical technical information to support the development of domestic guidelines for the safe operation of ammonia-fuelled ships and facilitate the wider adoption of alternative marine fuels.

The initiative is part of South Korea’s broader strategy to establish green shipping corridors and accelerate maritime decarbonisation.

Data to Support Future Technical Standards

KR said the operational data collected during the sea trial will be used to develop technical standards and operational guidelines for environmentally friendly vessels operating in Korean waters.

The classification society is collaborating with HD Hyundai to establish the technical foundation required for the safe introduction of ammonia as a marine fuel while supporting future regulatory development.

Collaboration Supports Green Shipping Corridor Development

The Green Shipping Corridor Construction Support Project seeks to create an operating environment for next-generation low-carbon vessels by combining vessel technology, fuel infrastructure and technical standards.

Ammonia is widely regarded as one of the leading zero-carbon marine fuel candidates because it does not emit carbon dioxide during combustion, although it requires specialised fuel handling systems and stringent safety procedures due to its toxicity.

An HD Hyundai spokesperson said:

“Drawing on our group’s R&D capabilities and on-site technical expertise, we have made meaningful progress in advancing the application of ammonia as a marine fuel. We expect this to contribute to enhance a sustainable maritime ecosystem and strengthening the competitiveness of Korea’s shipbuilding industry.”

Kim Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR’s R&D Division, added: “The close collaboration between KR and HD Hyundai has enabled us to build the technical foundation for introducing ammonia-fueled vessels in Korea. We will continue to drive national projects forward together with HD Hyundai and establish technical standards befitting the era of Green Shipping Corridors.”