In Korea, the Korean Register launched a working group with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and the Korea Testing & Research Institute to draft international discharge standards for toxic ammonia wastewater from ammonia-fueled ships.
Ammonia is gaining attention as a zero-carbon marine fuel, but its high toxicity and environmental risk require separate safety guidelines. Currently, there are no global discharge standards for ammonia-contaminated water produced by wet treatment systems, creating uncertainty in ship design and operations.
The group aims to draft standards for onboard storage, treatment, and discharge of ammonia wastewater and submit them to the International Maritime Organization via the Korean government. This follows South Korea’s 2024 proposal to the IMO and its formal endorsement at MEPC 83 in April 2025.
KR Vice President Kim Kyung-bok said the working group “is a symbolic example of Korea’s maritime industry uniting to lead the creation of global safety standards.” The group plans to submit a draft proposal to the IMO in 2026.
KTR, HD Korea, Samsung, and Hanwha each pledged technical support and cooperation to reinforce Korea’s role in global marine fuel standard setting.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
