Alternative Fuels

DNV GL and KSOE enter MOU on zero-emission ship tech

To assess bunkering convenience and safety of future ship fuels such as LNG, hydrogen, ammonia and biofuels.

Published

7 years ago

October 1, 2019

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DNV GL and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), a sub-holding company of Hyundai Heavy Industries‘ shipbuilding and offshore business, on Friday (27 September) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the development of low and zero-carbon ship technology.

Ki-Sun Chung, Senior Executive Vice President, and Won-Ho Joo, Director of the Advanced Research Center from KSOE, attended the signing ceremony with Conn Fagan, Vice President, and Sung-Ho Shin from DNV GL at the recent Gastech trade fair in Houston.

The purpose of the MOU is to develop cutting edge solutions for zero-emission ship technologies.

The project will include further studies on LNG as a ship fuel, as this is currently the leading low-emission/lower carbon fuel, and an assessment on its potential as a transitional step to zero-carbon options.

KSOE and DNV GL will work together to conduct comprehensive research on assessing future ship fuels such as LNG, hydrogen, ammonia and biofuels, verifying both the fuel supply and propulsion systems to use those fuels, and assessing bunkering convenience and safety.

“We expect DNV GL's accumulated data on future ship fuel will be combined with HHI‘s advanced gas engineering technology in order to come up with innovative technology standards,” said Won-Ho Joo, KSOE, at the signing ceremony.

“Alongside improvements to energy efficiency, new low and zero-carbon fuels will play an essential role in the maritime industry of the future,” said Conn Fagan from DNV GL.

“The ongoing energy transition is starting to reshape the shipping industry and this collaboration is an opportunity to provide competitive and practical solutions to the entire industry.”

DNV GL's recent “Maritime Forecast to 2050” report identified fuel flexibility and technologies to bridge changing fuel usage as essential strategies for the shipping industry to adapt to the energy transition and prepare for a low carbon future.

In the deep-sea segment especially, dual-fuel solutions and alternative fuel “ready” solutions could smooth the transition by laying the groundwork for future retrofits. Combined with bridging technologies such as adaptable storage tanks, onboard systems and shore-side fuel infrastructure, this could give the industry more options as new fuels and technologies emerge.

The report predicts that by 2050, carbon-neutral fuels will supply 30 to 40% of the global fleet’s total energy, with liquefied methane gas (from fossil and non-fossil sources) accounting for 40 to 80% of the energy mix. The Maritime Forecast also suggests that ammonia, bio-diesel, liquid bio-gas and electric fuel are promising carbon neutral options for deep-sea operation.

Photo credit: DNV GL
Published: 1 October, 2019

Alternative Fuels

Singapore-based Golden Island, Qingdao Port team up on alternative bunker fuels

Agreement covers green methanol, green ammonia and bio-LNG, with cooperation spanning fuel production and transportation through to storage, sales and bunkering.

Published

2 minutes ago

September 22, 2026

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Golden Island, Qingdao Port team up on green methanol, ammonia and bio-LNG

Singapore bunker supplier Golden Island Pte Ltd on Monday (21 September) said it has signed a strategic framework agreement with Qingdao Port International Co Ltd to collaborate on the supply of alternative marine fuels.

The agreement covers green methanol, green ammonia and bio-LNG, with cooperation spanning fuel production and transportation through to storage, sales and bunkering.

“By combining our MPA-licensed bunkering capabilities with Qingdao Port’s incredible logistics and strategic hub position, we are building something truly robust for the global shipping industry’s low-carbon future,” the company said in a statement.

Qingdao Port International, which operates five major port areas in China, will bring its logistics network, storage facilities and customs clearance capabilities to the partnership.

Golden Island is licensed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to conduct methanol bunkering and is ISCC EU-certified.

The companies are also engaging with container liners, bulk carriers, oil tankers and cruise ships regarding the adoption of alternative marine fuels.

Photo credit: Golden Island Pte Ltd
Published: 22 September, 2026

Ammonia

HD HHI and HD KSOE secure ABS AiP for ammonia bunkering vessel design

ABS awarded approval in principle for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia as marine fuel.

Published

10 minutes ago

September 22, 2026

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HD HHI and HD KSOE secure ABS AiP for ammonia bunkering vessel

Classification society ABS on Monday (21 September) said it has awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) approval in principle (AIP) for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia as marine fuel.

The approval is the result of a joint development project initiated earlier this year. ABS reviewed the design’s general arrangement, machinery arrangement, ammonia cargo handling system and fuel supply system against applicable class and international requirements.

Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering, said: “Bunkering infrastructure is a critical step for any marine fuel to scale, and it has to be implemented with safety designed in from the start.

“This AIP reflects the industry’s need for fuel flexibility while advancing the safe bunkering of ammonia. ABS is proud to support HD HHI and HD KSOE as they develop technologies that expand fuel flexibility.”

Ryu Hong-Ryeul, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of HD HHI, said: “As ammonia rapidly emerges as a viable low-carbon alternative fuel, demand for ammonia bunkering vessels is expected to grow in line with the increasing adoption of ammonia-fuelled ships.

“This AIP marks a significant milestone toward the commercialisation of ammonia bunkering vessels.”

ABS and the HD Hyundai group have worked together across a range of technologies supporting ammonia as a marine fuel. Recent projects have included AIP for HD KSOE’s ammonia cargo handling and bunkering system and initial review for HD HHI’s machinery arrangement in engine room.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 22 September, 2026

Alternative Fuels

J-ENG completes land-based testing of hydrogen-fuelled marine engine

Engine will be installed on a 17,500 DWT multipurpose vessel to be built by Onomichi Dockyard for MOL and MOL Drybulk, with onboard demonstration testing scheduled to begin in April 2028.

Published

20 minutes ago

September 22, 2026

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Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) on Friday (18 September) said it has completed land-based testing of the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled engine for large commercial vessels, the 6UEC35LSGH.

During factory testing, the engine achieved a hydrogen co-firing rate of at least 95%, reducing GHG emissions by more than 95% compared with conventional heavy-fuel-oil engines.

By adopting a high-pressure direct injection system, which injects fuel directly into the cylinder at high pressure, J-ENG said the engine achieves stable hydrogen combustion.

Safety measures were also implemented, including a robust structure to prevent hydrogen leakage and double-walled piping for hydrogen supply lines.

“Approval testing was conducted in the presence of ClassNK and was completed successfully,” the company said.

The engine will be installed on a 17,500 DWT multipurpose vessel to be built by Onomichi Dockyard for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and MOL Drybulk.

Hydrogen fuel will be supplied to the engine through a marine hydrogen fuel system, consisting of marine hydrogen fuel tanks and a fuel supply system, developed and manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

In addition, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) will conduct safety assessments throughout each stage of the engine’s development and the vessel’s design, construction and operation.

The vessel will then undergo sea trials before onboard demonstration testing begins in April 2028.

Kawasaki will also develop and manufacture bunkering equipment for supplying liquefied hydrogen to vessels.

“The demonstration will further evaluate the engine’s durability and performance under actual operating conditions,” J-ENG added.

Photo credit: J-ENG
Published: 22 September, 2026