HD Korea Unveils 'Carbon Zero' Breakthrough for Ammonia Ships

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering unveiled its latest technology, enhancing safety for ammonia-fueled vessels, heralded as eco-friendly ships for the next generation.

Today, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering announced its hosting of a 'Global Tech Forum' in Athens, Greece, on Friday, May 31 (local time), welcoming over one hundred guests from the global shipbuilding and maritime sectors to introduce its new technology aimed at reducing toxic gas emissions from ammonia fuel to nearly zero.

Ammonia-fueled vessels are recognized for their eco-friendliness due to zero carbon emissions. Shipbuilders worldwide are currently developing these vessels, with the primary focus on safely mitigating the toxicity of ammonia when utilized as fuel.

Euronva, Thenamaris, NYK, and other global companies present at the forum expressed particular interest in exploring diverse approaches to address leakage concerns. Such issues have long been recognized as significant obstacles in the commercialization of ammonia as a viable fuel source.

Recognizing these concerns, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering unveiled at the forum its exclusive integrated scrubber technology, marking a significant stride towards enhancing safety in the operation of ammonia-powered vessels.

The integrated scrubber, an environmentally friendly technology, effectively absorbs emitted ammonia on two separate occasions, resulting in emissions reduction to almost zero. Furthermore, the exhaust outlets are strategically positioned away from crew quarters, enhancing vessel safety.

Additionally, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering showcased its 'AI system for Ship Management' and 'Remote Drone System' during the forum. The company emphasized that by implementing these systems on ammonia-powered vessels, even minor leaks can be promptly detected in real-time, mitigating potential accidents proactively.

"HD Hyundai Heavy Industries possesses exclusive technologies and unparalleled global expertise in constructing gas carriers. Leveraging our extensive experience in green technologies, we aim to lead the future shipbuilding market," stated Seung-yong Park, President & COO of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, a shipbuilding subsidiary of HD Hyundai.

After becoming the world's first to secure contracts for two ammonia-fueled LPG carriers last year, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has currently obtained orders for a total of four ammonia-fueled ships.

In the meantime, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is set to participate in Posidonia 2024, scheduled from June 3 to 7. At the event, the company will exhibit forthcoming eco-friendly technologies aimed at achieving the IMO 2050 objectives. Posidonia is among the world's top three largest shipbuilding and maritime exhibitions, alongside Nor-shipping in Norway and SMM (Shipbuilding, Machinery, and Marine Technology trade fair) in Germany. The event is anticipated to draw over two thousand companies from seventy-seven countries worldwide this year.