Korean Register (KR) has signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), HMM, and Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU) to support the safe and practical application of ammonia as marine fuel. The signing ceremony was held on May 16 at KR’s Green Ship Test and Certification Center (TCC) in Gunsan.

As global efforts intensify to meet the IMO’s 2050 net-zero target, ammonia is gaining attention as a promising alternative fuel. However, ammonia's toxic properties present critical safety and environmental challenges.

Addressing this issue, the JDP will focus on validating Hi-CLEARS (Hyundai integrated Clean Liquid basEd Ammonia Release mitigation system with SCR), a groundbreaking system developed by HD KSOE that enables 100% recycling of ammonia effluent used in SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems.

By promoting the safe and sustainable use of ammonia, this collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the commercialization of ammonia-fueled ships. The project will address both technical and regulatory barriers, while enhancing Korea’s competitive edge in the green shipbuilding market.

A key regulatory challenge stems from IACS UR M77, which restricts the use of ammonia and aqueous ammonia as SCR reductants. In response, KR is actively leading the revision process of this requirement within IACS and is providing technical support for the demonstration of Hi-CLEARS through risk assessments and the Approval in Principle (AIP) process.

KIM Yeontae, Executive Vice President of KR Technical Division, stated, “KR is proud to support this forward-looking collaboration. As we work toward IMO’s 2050 net-zero target, KR will continue to strengthen partnerships across the industry and drive innovation in next-generation technologies, including alternative fuels.”