During the International Tech Forum in Athens, Greece, on May 31, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HDKSOE) unveiled its new eco-friendly scrubber technology to be used on ammonia-fueled vessels.
The scrubber uses a proprietary, eco-friendly design and can reduce toxic emissions levels to zero. Toxicity is a key concern for the developing marine market using low-carbon ammonia as a fuel, as ammonia poses a toxic-by-inhalation risk.
HDKSOE also introduced its new AI ship management system and remote drone system on the same day. These technologies are expected to enable real-time detection of minor ammonia leaks, preventing potential accidents.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, an intermediate holding company for HDKSOE, announced on March 18 that it had secured orders for three large ammonia carriers with a contract valued at $372 million. HDKSOE has secured orders to construct 72 vessels totaling $8.75 billion so far in 2024 (GM March 22, p. 27).