Image credit: MISC / Illustrative image of the world’s first ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) technology
Malaysia’s energy-related maritime services provider MISC Berhad (MISC) and South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have received approval in principle (AiP) from class society Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) for their design of the world’s first, as they claim, ammonia-fuelled LR2 tanker powered by proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology.
Awarded as part of a strategic joint development project involving MISC, SHI, and BV, the AiP from BV confirms the technical feasibility of the concept as well as initial conformity to the applicable rules, industry codes, and standards.
As informed, this initiative focuses on the design and development of a large-scale commercial vessel that integrates PEMFC technology developed by Vinssen and is integrated with an ammonia cracking system (ACS) engineered by Panasia Co. Ltd.
The design will enable full-scale power for vessel propulsion, cargo handling, and onboard energy needs, surpassing previous applications, which have been limited to small vessels or auxiliary loads, according to the companies.
The vessel is developed to meet stringent International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations while delivering significant operational benefits.
“This AiP is the result of combining our strengths and challenging conventional boundaries to transform sustainability aspirations into tangible progress. Together with SHI and BV, we are advancing a solution that will set a new standard for sustainable shipping and inspire greater industry-wide adoption of innovative solutions that will help the maritime industry meet its net-zero ambitions,” said Zahid Osman, president and Group CEO of MISC.
In this joint development project, MISC serves as the ship owner and operator, leading vessel operations, commercial feasibility studies, and market adoption strategies.
Samsung Heavy Industries contributes its shipbuilding expertise, overseeing vessel design, system integration, and engineering development.
As the classification society, BV is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting risk assessments, and granting the AiP, if it complies with the applicable BV’s Rules for classification. This provides independent validation of the project’s technical feasibility and safety.
