HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Completes World's First Ammonia-Powered Cargo Vessel

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced the completion of the world's first ammonia-powered vessel on September 9, holding a naming ceremony for two mid-sized gas carriers. The vessels, named Antwerp and Aarlon after Belgian cities, are 46,000-cubic-meter dual-fuel gas carriers ordered by Belgian shipping company X-MAR in 2023. These represent the first two of four ordered ships, with deliveries scheduled for May and late July respectively.

The ammonia-powered vessels operate engines solely on ammonia fuel, producing zero carbon emissions. Ammonia offers advantages over hydrogen as an alternative fuel: it requires storage at -33°C compared to hydrogen's -253°C, has higher storage density, and benefits from established global supply chains developed through long-term use in fertilizer and chemical industries.

The ships incorporate multiple safety systems to address ammonia's toxicity, including three self-designed cargo tanks for ammonia and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) transport, a shaft generator for electricity production, and a selective catalytic reduction system to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions. Additional proprietary technologies include real-time leak detection and emission recovery systems.

Joo Won-ho, president of the Naval and Special Ship Business Unit, stated the company aims to solidify its leadership in the global eco-friendly ship market through continued technological innovation.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Central. Read the full article →