MISC Berhad (MISC) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have received the Approval in Principle (AiP) from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) for their pioneering design of the world’s first ammonia-fuelled LR2 tanker powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) technology. The AiP from BV confirms the technical feasibility of the concept as well as initial conformity to the applicable rules, industry codes, and standards.
The AiP was awarded as part of a strategic Joint Development Project involving MISC, SHI, and BV. 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. This breakthrough 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.
The vessel is developed to meet stringent International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations while delivering significant operational benefits. Its key advantages include:
Zero Direct Emissions: Eliminates direct CO₂ emissions, aligning with global decarbonisation goals.
Regulatory Compliance: Future-proofs vessels against evolving environmental regulations and carbon taxation.
Operational Efficiency: Offers alternative fuel utilisation and lower maintenance costs compared to traditional engines.
Scalability: Paves the way for broader adoption of ammonia-based fuel cell technology across the maritime sector.
Mr. Zahid Osman, President and Group CEO of MISC said, “We firmly believe that collaboration is the catalyst for maritime transformation and through this partnership, we are #deliveringProgress by uniting industry leaders in realising a future where various new technologies being deployed to solve maritime's greatest challenge, energy transition and decarbonisation. 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.”
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Haeki Jang, the Chief Technical Officer from Samsung Heavy Industries said: "It is a great honor to be here today for this milestone. Our ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker powered by fuel cell represents a true step forward—delivering zero emissions, meeting future regulations, improving operational efficiency, and offering scalability for wider adoption. This innovation shows Samsung Heavy Industries’ strong commitment to sustainable growth and advanced technology. I would also like to thank the classification society and MISC for their valuable support and close cooperation."
Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials and Commodities, Bureau Veritas, said: “This Approval in Principle is not only a technological milestone but also the power of strong partnerships. Bureau Veritas is proud to support MISC and Samsung Heavy Industries in advancing ammonia-fueled PEM fuel cell technology — a breakthrough that combines innovation, safety, and sustainability. We remain fully committed to supporting the development of viable, scalable, and safe alternative fuel solutions that will shape the future of sustainable shipping.”
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.
Note :
The AiP indicates that the classification society, BV, has reviewed the concept design of a large commercial vessel powered by PEMFC with Ammonia Cracking as well as affirms that they comply with the current applicable regulatory requirements and safety criteria.
