Korean Register (KR) - Experts & Thought Leaders

A landmark partnership to develop the safety guidelines for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering has been established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KR (Korean Register), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), KSS Line, and the Liberian Registry. Robust safety standards As the demand for ammonia-fuelled vessels rises, this partnership aims to establish robust safety standards for STS ammonia bunkering, an efficient method for supplying fuel to ammonia-fueled vessels. The safe bunkering of alternative fuels, like ammonia, requires rigorous risk assessment and the establishment of controlled zones. Ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering While standards for LNG and methanol bunkering have already been defined through various international industry standards, ammonia currently lacks relevant guidelines, highlighting the urgent need for the partnership’s research. To address this industry need, the five organisations involved will work together to develop standardised safety procedures that will set international benchmarks for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering. Risk assessments KR will verify the compliance of these safety procedures and issue an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate As part of the initiative, HD KSOE will perform risk assessments aligned with international industry standards, while HD HHI and KSS Line will utilise their expertise and experience in alternative-fuel vessels and ammonia carriers to evaluate controlled zones and safety procedures for ammonia STS bunkering. KR will verify the compliance of these safety procedures and issue an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate. The Liberian Registry, overseeing the world’s largest registered fleet, will further review the validity of these safety procedures. Advancing ammonia fuel technology KIM Yeontae, Executive Vice President of KR’s technical division, commented, "With the expected rise in ammonia bunkering demand driven by the construction of more ammonia-fuelled vessels, this collaborative effort to establish safety standards is highly significant." KIM Yeontae adds, "Through this partnership, KR is committed to advancing ammonia fuel technology and supporting the industry’s decarbonisation efforts." Adoption of LNG STS bunkering KIM Jungsik, Managing Director of the Korea Office at the Liberian Registry, stated, "Just as we observed with the initial adoption of LNG STS bunkering, it is critical to establish regulations and procedures for ammonia as well." KIM Jungsik adds, "Our Innovation and Energy Transition team will thoroughly review the safety protocols and support the development of international standards."

In a significant step towards establishing eco-friendly maritime practices, South Korea successfully conducted its first Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPs) of ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at Busan New Port on 4th October. This groundbreaking achievement marks a crucial advancement in the nation's commitment to developing a sustainable ship fuel supply chain. Key highlights First-ever SIMOPs methanol bunkering in South Korea. 11-hour operation supplying approximately 3,000 tons of methanol. Conducted at Busan New Port Terminal 2(PNC) during cargo unloading. Follows successful LNG bunkering SIMOPs at Busan New Port in August. Eco-friendly Ship Fuel Supply Chain The ministry has been diligently working on securing bunkering vessels, developing port infrastructure The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) spearheaded this initiative as part of its plan to build an Eco-friendly Ship Fuel Supply Chain, announced in November 2023. The ministry has been diligently working on securing bunkering vessels, developing port infrastructure, and standardising bunkering procedures. Methanol bunkering Busan Port Authority (BPA) supported the methanol bunkering demonstration project, offering exemptions on port facility usage fees and coordinating with relevant agencies to review safety protocols through an inter-agency consultative body. Korean Register (KR) has played a pivotal role in providing technical support for the development of a methanol bunkering safety system. KR's contributions include developing standard operating procedures, defining safety management zones, and creating guidance for self-safety management plans. Eco-friendly shipping The implementation of SIMOPs, which allows for simultaneous cargo operations and supply of green fuel This accomplishment is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of South Korean ports in the growing market for eco-friendly shipping. The successful implementation of SIMOPs, which allows for simultaneous cargo operations and supply of green fuel, is particularly attractive to shipping companies aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency.   Green port KANG Joonsuk, CEO & President of BPA, stated, “This successful demonstration marks a monumental achievement, showing that Busan Port is fully capable of supplying methanol." "We plan to enhance Busan Port’s global competitiveness by developing infrastructure and advancing technology to expand eco-friendly fuel bunkering, positioning it as a pioneering green port on the world stage.”   Sustainable shipping practices LEE Hyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR, also commented, "As the maritime industry continues to seek greener alternatives, South Korea is trying to position itself at the forefront of sustainable shipping practices." "KR will continue to provide full support for technical cooperation to ensure safe and successful green fuel bunkering operations."  Operation details Port / Terminal: Busan New Port, Korea / New Port Terminal 2 (PNC). Supplier / Bunkering Vessel: Hyodong Shipping Co., Ltd., 103 Hyodong Chemi (IMO 9267986, Oil/Chemical Tanker). Recipient / Container Ship: Maersk Line A/S, ANTONIA MAERSK (IMO 9948762, Dual fuel methanol vessel).

KR (Korean Register) has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) for the Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), a passenger and cargo transport vessel dedicated to offshore wind farms, developed by MARCON, a Korean maritime service company. CTVs are widely used in Europe for transporting workers and equipment necessary for offshore wind farm construction and maintenance. However, the use of diesel engines has raised concerns about carbon emissions. Hybrid electric propulsion system The CTV that received AIP adopts an eco-friendly hybrid electric propulsion system using batteries. This addresses environmental regulatory issues while also offering fuel cost savings and supporting safer offshore wind farm operations. The key components of this CTV include a hybrid system and energy storage system (ESS) provided by Hanwha Aerospace, Linear Jet propulsion units and hybrid CTV power conversion devices, integrated PEMS (Power & Energy Management System), and generators supplied by YusinHR. Extinguishing function Linear Jet provided by YusinHR is an eco-friendly propulsion system with a high efficiency of up to 70% The immersion-type ESS supplied by Hanwha Aerospace is a lithium-ion battery with an insulation fluid immersion method, which enhances insulation strength, improves cooling effects, prevents thermal runaway transfer, and ensures safety against fire with a smothering extinguishing function. The Linear Jet provided by YusinHR is an eco-friendly propulsion system with a high efficiency of up to 70%, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 25 knots. Its introduction is expected to bring positive changes to the Korean propulsion system market. Hybrid electric propulsion system According to MARCON representatives, the electric hybrid CTV is expected to reduce operating time by about 34% and decrease carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 70% compared to traditional internal combustion engine propulsion systems. During this CTV project, KR verified the design safety and compliance of the CTV by reviewing domestic and international regulations. Kim Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR’s R&D Division, stated, "It is very meaningful to be part of the first application of an eco-friendly hybrid electric propulsion system for a CTV, and we will continue to provide technical support throughout the vessel’s construction and future launch." The construction of this vessel began at a Korean shipyard in September 2024, with its launch scheduled for next year.