Classification society Korean Register (KR) said it has launched a joint working group to establish international standards for the safe discharge of toxic ammonia effluent generated from ammonia-fuelled ships.

Major Korean shipyards such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR) will be part of the group. 

KR said ammonia is attracting attention as an eco-friendly alternative fuel that does not emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, but due to its strong toxicity and concerns about marine pollution, it is essential to establish separate safety standards. 

In particular, ammonia effluent generated from wet treatment systems currently has no clear treatment standards, which causes considerable technical and operational uncertainty in ship design and operation.

Accordingly, the group aims to establish international standards related to the storage, treatment, and discharge of ammonia wastewater generated from ships and to officially propose this to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the Korean government.

The launch of this consultative body is a follow-up measure to a proposal by KR and the Korean government to the IMO in 2024 for the need to establish safety standards for ammonia effluent, which was officially approved at the 83rd IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in April 2025. The group plans to propose a draft standard to the IMO in 2026 and lead international discussions.

Kim Tae-seong, Head of the KTR headquarters, said: “We will provide reliable scientific data to establish ammonia wastewater management guidelines and treatment standards. We will actively cooperate to secure the international competitiveness of the domestic shipbuilding and shipping industries.”
Kim Kyung-bok, Vice President of KR, said: “This consultative body is a symbolic case of our shipbuilding and shipping industries joining forces to lead the establishment of international safety standards based on our country’s advanced technologies.”

“KR will continue to support the development of alternative fuel safety standards and international standardisation efforts together with our government.”

Photo credit: Korean Register
Published: 20 June, 2025

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy and IINO Lines on Thursday (19 June) announced a strategic cooperation that reinforces their shared commitment to the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new business opportunities in the alternative marine fuels sector. 

“This agreement marks a significant step in the long-standing relationship between the two companies and sets the foundation for further collaboration in the areas of methanol, LNG, and ammonia bunkering,” Fratelli Cosulich said. 

Through the MoU, the parties will engage in joint initiatives, exchange market insights, and facilitate connections with potential suppliers and stakeholders in the alternative fuels space. 

“We are proud to announce the partnership with Fratelli Cosulich for initiatives in alternative marine fuels. Both companies have extensive history in the shipping industry,” said Yusuke Otani, President of IINO Lines. 

“The joint development will enable a holistic approach for building a supply chain of alternative marine fuels.”

“As we navigate the energy transition, partnerships like the one we announce today with IINO Lines are essential in shaping the future of sustainable shipping,” said Timothy Cosulich, CEO of Fratelli Cosulich Group. 

“By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to drive the adoption of cleaner marine fuels and contribute to the decarbonization of global shipping.”

Photo credit: Scott Graham
Published: 20 June, 2025

International shipping association BIMCO on Tuesday (17 June) said a series of live polls at the 10th BIMCO Tanker Safety Network meeting showed over half of respondents (52%) identified ammonia as the most viable fuel pathway by 2040. 

BIMCO said the result reflected growing interest in its zero-carbon potential despite known safety challenges.

The meeting, held on 12 June, brought together tanker safety professionals and technical experts to assess the risks and realities of operating with alternative fuels. As the sector moves deeper into decarbonisation, ensuring the safe, scalable, and practical use of multiple fuel options is a pressing concern for tanker operators. 

Live poll results captured the pulse of the industry, revealing optimism about fuel options, but also caution about readiness, safety, and regulatory support. 

When asked about top operational concerns, 38% of respondents pointed to bunkering compatibility and 28% to onboard safety risks, signalling that practical implementation remains a critical hurdle. 

Confidence in the safety of alternative fuels was most strongly associated with technological maturity and system reliability, selected by 57% of participants. 

However, readiness levels told a different story: 69% reported being only moderately prepared to handle alternative fuels, with planning underway but full operational capability still developing. A striking 80% of attendees flagged “all of the above” when asked about key training gaps—citing the need for improvements across STCW revisions, safety culture, and design awareness. 

Views on nuclear propulsion were split, with 52% considering it viable but facing acceptance and regulatory barriers. Finally, 56% of respondents identified the lack of guidance on inherently safer ship design as the most pressing regulatory shortfall. 

“This data underscores a shared concern: while decarbonisation is inevitable, the current safety and training ecosystem is not yet fit-for-purpose,” BIMCO said. 

Note: The full insight on BIMCO’s 10th Tanker Safety Network meeting can be read here. 

Photo credit: BIMCO
Published: 20 June, 2025