HD Hyundai's safety solution for ammonia-fueled ships gets KR's stamp of approval

Classification society Korean Register (KR) has granted approval in principle (AIP) for Hi-CLEARS, a safety solution for ammonia-fueled ships, developed by the affiliates of South Korean conglomerate HD Hyundai – HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE).

As disclosed, Hi-CLEARS is a safety-enhancing system set to capture ammonia gas leaked during operation, converting it into aqueous ammonia, and using it as a reductant in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. The solution reportedly eliminates potential ammonia leakage and achieves “zero discharge” of ammonia to the atmosphere and sea.

It is understood that KR participated in amending IACS Unified Requirement M77, which governs the application of SCR systems on ships. The revision allows the use of aqueous ammonia and gaseous ammonia as reductants, whereas their use was previously restricted. According to KR, the change provides the technical foundation needed for the commercialization of Hi-CLEARS.

Yoo Byungyong, Senior Vice President of HD KSOE, commented: “Hi-CLEARS safely processes ammonia leaks and treats the resulting liquid through SCR, thereby meeting both safety and environmental regulations. Through close cooperation with KR,