28 Jul 2023

ABS issued approval in principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for its new ammonia-based ship HVAC refrigeration system.

Eco-friendly refrigerant

HHI developed the system in response to shipowners’ requests for refrigeration of HVAC systems using ammonia, a more eco-friendly refrigerant with a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a Global Warming Potential of zero per the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE).

ABS used its marine vessel rules to conduct technical suitability reviews of the designs, materials, fire and personnel safety equipment, piping, electrical, operations tests, and risk assessments.

Sustainable solutions

ABS is committed to pioneering the industry in supporting ammonia’s safe adoption at sea"

This is an exciting development from HHI for the maritime industry’s decarbonization quest to find sustainable solutions. ABS has always been a safety pioneer, so we are well placed to tackle the challenges on board and ashore presented by ammonia’s toxicity and flammability,” said Panos Koutsourakis, ABS Vice President, Global Sustainability.

"ABS is committed to pioneering the industry in supporting ammonia’s safe adoption at sea."

Maritime carbon neutrality 

Hwan-Sik Lee, head of the ship design office at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said, “We will continue to make efforts to realize maritime carbon neutrality by strengthening the eco-friendliness of not only the propulsion device but also the overall ship.”

ABS offers industry-pioneering services and solutions for vessel owners looking at alternative fuel options, including ammonia.