HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has revealed its new technology that ensures more safety for ammonia-fuelled vessels which are considered as eco-friendly ships for the next generation.
The company recently held a ‘Global Tech Forum’ in Athens, inviting more than 100 guests from the global shipbuilding and maritime industry to share its new technology that reduces toxic gas emissions from ammonia fuel to nearly zero. HD KSOE sees ammonia-fuelled as eco-friendly, emitting zero carbon. Such vessels are currently being developed by global shipbuilders; however, the key has always been how to safely eliminate the toxicity of ammonia when used as fuel.
Euronva, Thenamaris, NYK, and other global companies at the forum were said to be especially interested in various methods that could solve leakage issues, which have been considered one of the major hurdles when commercialising ammonia as fuel. Acknowledging such concern, HD KSOE has launched its proprietary integrated scrubber technology which will take a step forward in securing safety when operating ammonia-powered ships.
The integrated scrubber is an eco-friendly technology that absorbs emitted ammonia in two separate operations, reducing emissions to nearly zero. The exhaust outlets have been designed to be distanced away from crew quarters, enhancing ship safety.
Additionally, HD KSOE has unveiled its AI system for Ship Management and Remote Drone System. The company considers that when applying these systems to ammonia-powered ships, even fine leakages can be detected in real time, preventing accidents from occurring in advance.
Seung-yong Park, President and COO, HD KSOE company HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said: “HD Hyundai has proprietary technologies and the most experience in the world when it comes to building gas carriers. With our abundant experience in green technologies, we plan to be the frontrunner of the future shipbuilding market.”
Since winning the first contracts for ammonia-fuelled LPG carriers in 2023, HD KSOE has secured a current orderbook for a total of four ammonia-fuelled ships.
Image: Global tech forum (source: HD KSOE)
