Malaysian owner MISC Berhad is working with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to develop an ammonia-fuelled tanker.

Class society Lloyd’s Register (LR) and engine maker MAN Energy Solutions are also involved in the project that aims to address shipping’s decarbonisation challenge.

They are working towards meeting the IMO's 2050 target of cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50%, which means commercially viable zero-emissions vessels operational by 2030.

MISC CEO Yee Yang Chien said: “At MISC, we believe the global maritime industry needs to be more collaborative in defining our future together, rather than being confrontational and fragmented in our efforts.

"I am very glad that our distinguished partners have come together with MISC to showcase joint leadership in developing one of the pathways towards a zero-carbon future for the maritime industry."

The executive added that the industry needs more "shining examples" of partnerships to advance zero-carbon fuelling.

One possible pathway

The partners admit ammonia is just one of the pathways towards the 2050 target.

Samsung Heavy Industries CEO Joon Ou Nam added: "We all know that the industry-wide movement is vital, and new zero-carbon fuel technologies, such as ammonia fuel, are to be brought on the table, in order to take action proactively on maritime GHG emissions in accordance with the IMO’s ambitious road map.

"We hope SHI’s experience and expertise in novel ship design development will effectively contribute to this joint development project and all joint development project partners could get better insight into the feasible and sustainable zero-carbon fuel vessel design solutions."

Ammonia is highly toxic

Last year, a study by AP Moller-Maersk and LR backed the view that the best way to decarbonise shipping is through fresh sources of sustainable energy.

The containership group and the classification society said that, based on market projections, the best-positioned fuels for research and development are alcohol, biomethane and ammonia.

The report found that ammonia is truly carbon free and can be produced from renewable electricity, but warned it is highly toxic. It will also be much more expensive that fossil fuels.

The new tanker plan is not the first in the industry involving an ammonia-fuelled ship.

In December, China's Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC) showcased a concept for an ammonia-fuelled 23,000-teu container vessel.

It received approval in principle (AIP) from LR for the design, which is also being developed with MAN.