As the maritime industry accelerates its transition to zero-carbon fuels in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s 2050 net-zero target, ammonia-fueled ships are emerging as a promising next-generation solution. While the IMO has established interim guidelines to facilitate the use of ammonia as a marine fuel, international standards governing the safe treatment and discharge of toxic ammonia effluent generated during vessel operations have yet to be developed.

The field of artificial intelligence is undergoing a rapid paradigm shift toward AI agents that go beyond simple conversational models to interpret user intent and perform actual tasks by linking appropriate tools. There is a growing demand for AI agents that can identify data, execute relevant tools, and carry out practical business operations, moving beyond the level of simple Q&A.

The 13th session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) was convened as a hybrid meeting from 9th to 13th February 2026.

From December 9, 2025 to February 23, 2026, the Korean Register (KR) Convention & Legislation Service Team completed a preliminary impact analysis of the amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code), which are expected to be approved and adopted at MSC 111 and MSC 112 and to enter into force on July 1, 2028. To support customers in preparing proactively for the upcoming regulatory changes, KR held a series of remote technical seminars via MS Teams for four major Korean shipbuilders.