Korean Register (KR) has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hanwha Ocean, Amogy, and Hanwha Aerospace, which focuses on technical collaboration and certification for the application of ammonia reformers and ammonia fuel cell systems to ships.
The ammonia reformers, used to produce gas with hydrogen as the main component and supply it to fuel cell stacks, are essential equipment for the adoption of fuel cell systems.
Amid increasing global decarbonisation regulations, ammonia is emerging as an efficient alternative fuel. The agreement aims to apply reformers and fuel cell systems to ships, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, thereby lessening the environmental burden.
The MoU encompasses collaboration across various technological areas related to the application of reformers and fuel cell systems in ships. This includes design, development, testing, and certification of ammonia reformers and fuel cell systems. Ultimately, the safety and suitability of these systems will be verified based on KR’s rules, international conventions and standards, with KR planning to issue a New Technical Qualification (NTQ) certificate.
Kim Hyoungseog, EVP and CTO, Hanwha Ocean, said: “This agreement will strengthen Hanwha Ocean’s competitiveness in the eco-friendly ship market. We will continue to take a leading role in developing crucial new technologies for carbon neutrality in the shipping industry.”
Amogy CEO, Woo Seonghoon, said: “This agreement brings us one step closer to the commercialization of eco-friendly ships using Amogy’s ammonia-based fuel cell systems. I believe multi-party collaboration is vital for the decarbonisation of the shipping industry, and we will continue to do our best to ensure the safe introduction of ammonia and ammonia-based fuel cell systems into the ship market.”
Moon Seunghak, Head of E-Propulsion System Business Group, Hanwha Aerospace, added: “The introduction of ammonia-based fuel cell systems is essential for the decarbonisation of the shipping industry. We expect to maximise synergy through the cooperation of the four companies. This technological development will play a key role in establishing a carbon-neutral ecosystem in the ship transportation market.”
Yeon Kyujin, SVP KR, said: “This agreement will be an important milestone in applying ammonia technology to ships. KR will continue to drive the decarbonisation of the maritime industry, by providing technical support to ensure that reformers and fuel cell systems can be safely applied to ships.”
Image: Signing of ammonia MoU, left to right, Oh Dongjo (Head of Fuel Cell System Development Team Hanwha Aerospace), Lim Jongki (Leader Commercial Vessel Development Team Hanwha Ocean), Yeon Kyujin (SVP KR), Woo Seonghoon (Amogy CEO) (source: KR/Navigate PR)
