KR (Korean Register) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Samho on September 9 at Gastech 2025 in Milan, the world’s largest gas and energy exhibition.
The two companies will jointly develop a water circulation system for the double-wall pipe annular space of ammonia-fuelled vessels, aiming to enhance the safety of next-generation ships powered by ammonia.
Ammonia is drawing attention as a next-generation carbon-free fuel, but its toxicity and corrosiveness have raised critical safety concerns in ship design and operation. In particular, practical measures to mitigate potential leakage risks in fuel piping have yet to be established, making effective safety measures urgently needed.
Ammonia fuel pipes are designed with a double-wall structure, leaving a ring-shaped annular space between the inner and outer pipes. This joint development project seeks to circulate freshwater through this space to enhance the safety of fuel supply piping and minimise potential leakage risks to the atmosphere during operation. Under the collaboration, HD Hyundai Samho will be responsible for system design and development, while KR will verify its safety.
Once completed, HD Hyundai Samho plans to apply the system to its ammonia-fuelled ship designs and advance its commercialisation. KR, for its part, intends to propose the need for relevant safety standards to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and continue its role as a proactive contributor to international rulemaking on alternative fuels.
SHIM Hakmu, Executive Vice President of HD Hyundai Samho, said: “This joint development marks an important step in accelerating the transition to ammonia-fuelled vessels. Through collaboration with KR, we will generate technological synergies and enhance our competitiveness in the global market.”
YEON Kyujin, Senior Vice President of KR, added: “With this partnership, we aim to secure key safety technologies for ammonia-fuelled vessels at an early stage and lead the development of future international regulations. By working closely with shipbuilders such as HD Hyundai Samho, KR can bridge the gap between innovative design and safe, globally recognised standards.”