HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has obtained international certification for new technology related to ammonia-powered ships, the next-generation eco-friendly fuel vessels.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced on the 10th that it has acquired Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its self-developed ammonia wastewater treatment device and toxic hazard area zoning system for ammonia-powered ships.

The ammonia wastewater overboard discharge device developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is a monitoring device that detects and controls the discharge concentration of ammonia wastewater collected in the wastewater tank in real-time. It is designed to allow the overboard discharge of ammonia wastewater only within the permissible limits by measuring the ammonia concentration in the wastewater in real-time.

The company has also developed a toxic hazard area zoning system to systematically classify ammonia leak risk areas on board and establish safety standards. This is to prepare for potential leakage accidents in ammonia propulsion equipment and bunkering facilities, defining high, medium, and low-risk zones and establishing necessary response systems for each zone.

Ammonia is gaining attention as a promising eco-friendly fuel in terms of cost efficiency and safety, as demand for various eco-friendly fuels increases to achieve the net-zero goal by 2050. However, due to the high toxicity of the fuel itself, it is essential to develop technology that can use the fuel safely.

By securing this certified technology, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has laid the groundwork for the commercialization of ammonia-powered ships and entry into the global eco-friendly ship market.

An official from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said, “This achievement once again proves HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ technological prowess in the field of eco-friendly ships,” adding, “We will continue to focus on developing innovative technologies that can lead the next-generation fuel market.”

Source: Business Korea