KR Webzine Vol.149

With the IMO aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels, fossil fuels will not offer a viable compliance solution in the long term.

While LNG is widely viewed as a next-generation clean fuel, it derives from a fossil fuel and still emits carbon dioxide when burned.

Ammonia is produced using the hydrogen obtained by reforming natural gas.  Increasingly, renewable energy is being used to produce hydrogen for carbon-neutral ammonia production. As a result, KR sees ammonia as an attractive alternative fuel and has been conducting various R&D activities. 

On 12 June KR signed an agreement for a joint development project (JDP) with Emec Co. a ship engine manufacturer, Man Energy Solutions, and Singapore's overseas shipping company Navig8 to collaborate on the development of an ammonia bunkering vessel.

Ammonia is increasingly viewed as an eco-friendly fuel for next-generation ships, with high potential for commercialization because no carbon dioxide is emitted at all and its use is not technically difficult.

The very first ammonia bunkering ship developed in Korea will be equipped with an ammonia engine developed by Mann Energy Solutions, while Emec, a comprehensive engineering company in the shipbuilding and marine sector, will design the vessel. Navig8 will examine the commercial potential of ammonia as a ship fuel and will study the economics of operation.

KR will conduct the technical analysis to ensure design stability, reviewing domestic and foreign regulations on ammonia bunkering vessel design and risk assessment. KR will also prepare ammonia ship design guidelines and provide technical advice to shipping company and shipyard customers.

 
“This partnership to develop an 8K ammonia bunkering vessel is significant as the maritime industry is very interested in alternative ship fuels and eco-friendly ships in order to meet environmental regulations, and moving forward KR will focus on developing more eco-friendly technology.” said Tae-Bum Ha, Head of R&D Division, KR.