The use of alternative fuels such as ammonia requires a reliable infrastructure. By issuing a Certificate of Approval (AiP) for a bunker vessel, ABS, in collaboration with South Korean partners, has paved the way for this.
ABS has granted HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) approval in principle (Approval in Principle, AiP) for the basic design of a 22,000 m³ bunker vessel capable of supplying ammonia as a marine fuel.
The approval, announced at Gastech 2026, is the result of a joint development project launched earlier this year. ABS assessed the design’s general arrangement, machinery arrangement, ammonia handling system and fuel supply system for compliance with applicable classification and international requirements.
“Bunkering infrastructure is a crucial factor in enabling a marine fuel to become widely adopted, and safety must be taken into account from the outset. This AiP addresses the industry’s need for fuel flexibility whilst supporting the safe bunkering of ammonia. ABS is proud to support HD HHI and HD KSOE in developing technologies that expand fuel flexibility,” said Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering.
ABS and the HD Hyundai Group have already collaborated on a range of technologies for the use of ammonia as marine fuel. Recent projects have included an AiP for HD KSOE’s ammonia cargo-handling and bunkering system, as well as an initial review of the engine arrangement in HD HHI’s engine room.
“As ammonia is rapidly emerging as a viable low-carbon alternative fuel, demand for ammonia bunker vessels is expected to rise in line with the increasing adoption of ammonia-powered ships. This AiP is an important milestone on the path to the commercialisation of ammonia bunker vessels,” said Ryu Hong-Ryeul, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of HD HHI.
