Samsung Heavy Industries is accelerating the development of ships that use ammonia as fuel.
Samsung Heavy Industries announced on the 1st that it will begin construction of an ammonia propulsion ship demonstration facility on a 13,000㎡ site at its Geoje Shipyard. After more than a year of design, Samsung Heavy Industries recently received approval for its technical review report from the Korea Gas Safety Corporation and also obtained manufacturing permission from Geoje City.
Samsung Heavy Industries aims to complete the demonstration facility by the end of this year, conduct test operations, and start scenario-based testing.
The ammonia demonstration facility will be equipped with pilot systems for fuel supply, reliquefaction, and emission reduction. Additionally, to develop optimal solutions for ammonia toxicity issues, various technologies will be pilot-applied, including real-time leak detection and alarm systems, toxicity neutralization devices, and equipment status inspections using quadruped robots.
Ammonia is gaining attention as a carbon-free ship energy source in the eco-friendly era because it does not emit carbon dioxide during combustion, is easy to manufacture, store, and transport, and is relatively cost-effective.
Since 2019, Samsung Heavy Industries has been continuously developing ammonia propulsion ship technology in collaboration with shipping companies, classification societies, and engine manufacturers. Recently, it signed a business cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Malaysian shipping company MISC and British Lloyd’s Register to build ammonia-powered oil tankers.
Lee Ho-gi, head of Samsung Heavy Industries’ Eco-friendly Research Center, said, "The establishment of the ammonia demonstration facility will further advance Samsung Heavy Industries’ next-generation eco-friendly product development stage for carbon neutrality."
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