Ammonia fuel supply system awarded AiP

An ammonia fuel supply system developed by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has been awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) by ClassNK. This means that SHI’s conceptual design, which has been developed based on part C of ClassNK’s ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels’, meets the classification society’s requirements.

The latest development follows successful land-based tests of ammonia as a marine fuel in Japan. A consortium consisting of ClassNK, IHI Power Systems, Japan Engine Corp, Nihon Shipyard Co., and NYK Line, undertook the test earlier this year on a four-stroke marine engine designed for coastal vessels and tugs. 

Ammonia has both pros and cons. It contains no carbon, has a relatively high power-to-fuel-to-power (PFP) efficiency, and a wide distribution network that is already in place. The fuel also has a high octane rating and a limited risk of explosion. But it is highly toxic to humans and marine life.

SHI’s head of Shipbuilding Sales Engineering Team, Dong-Joo Kim, said: “We are happy to collaborate with ClassNK in this important design development and believe this AiP award demonstrates SHI’s readiness for the new ammonia shipping market that is coming from global decarbonisation demands.”

Masaki Matsunaga, director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division at the classification society, commented: “It is a great honour to be involved in the SHI's initiatives to expand industry options for greener shipping by conducting safety assessment on its ammonia fuel supply system, which has resulted in AiP. ClassNK remain committed to supporting to realise innovative solutions for decarbonisation of shipping.”