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.
Illustrative image of the world’s first ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) technology
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.”
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.”
(From left):
Mr. Dany J. Kim, Sales Engineering Director of Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI); Mr. Zahid bin Osman, President & Group CEO of MISC Group; Mr. Nick Potter, President & CEO of AET and Vice President of Petroleum & Products, MISC Group; Mr. Haeki Jang, Chief Technology Officer of SHI; Mr. Alex Gregg-Smith, Senior Vice President, Marine & Offshore Asia Pacific & Chief Executive, BV Marine & Offshore China; and Captain Drago Pinteric, Vice President, Marine & Offshore Southeast Asia, Bureau Veritas
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.
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About MISC Berhad
MISC Group is an international maritime company with more than 55 years of experience in the dynamic maritime industry. Our extensive global footprint allows us to deliver a wide range of solutions that cater to various areas within the maritime-related energy value chain.
At the heart of MISC Group's success is our modern and diversified fleet of vessels and floating assets, complemented by the expertise of our diverse global workforce at sea and shore.
As a future-focused organisation, we are committed to leading from the front, propelling the maritime industry into the future, and achieving society’s aspiration for a just energy transition.
For more information, visit www.miscgroup.com
About SHI
Since its establishment in 1974, Samsung Heavy Industries(SHI) has received orders for ships and offshore facilities from the world's leading shipping companies and successfully delivered all projects through advanced technology and production automation. We have the world's largest construction track record in FLNGs, FPSOs, and drill ships.
SHI has been recognized by the world's major oil companies for its differentiated technological competitiveness, turnkey manufacturing capabilities, and topside design and construction capabilities, which are the core of offshore plants, as well as its accumulated shipbuilding technology in the offshore plant market, including fixed offshore facilities, TLPs, and floating offshore structures, which require high stability and technical skills.
With the recent intensification of global efforts to address environmental issues and the transition to the future ship era with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, SHI is leading the future of the shipbuilding and offshore industry by applying ICT to its business and focusing on ship technology development, including autonomous ships and low- and zero-carbon fuel-powered ships. For more information, visit www.samsungshi.com/En
About BV
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers’ excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change.
Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas’ 84,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company’s technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.
Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5° index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. For more information, visit https://marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.
Issued on behalf of MISC Berhad by the Group Strategic Relations & Communications (GSRC) Division of MISC. For media inquiries, please contact:
Maisara Noor Ahmad
Head, External Communications
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
MISC Berhad
Tel : +603-2275 3496
Email : [email protected]
Sarah Iliana Binti Mohammad Salleh
Executive, External Communications
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
MISC Berhad
Tel : +603-2275 3857
Email : [email protected]
