- SHI completed the construction of its ammonia demonstration facility at the Geoje Shipyard on June 12th.

- SHI plans to test the practical application, performance, and reliability of ammonia-powered vessels.

- LNG → ammonia → hydrogen; SHI is endeavoring to transform the Geoje Shipyard into a research and development hub for eco-friendly technologies.

On June 12th, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) held a completion ceremony for its ammonia demonstration facility at the Geoje Shipyard, led by Vice Chairman Sung-an Choi. Major shipowners such as Greece’s TMS Cardiff Gas, France’s CMA CGM, and Taiwan’s Evergreen and representatives from international classification societies and suppliers such as MAN-ES and WinGD attended the event, showing great interest with high expectations toward SHI’s new ammonia demonstration facility.

SHI’s ammonia demonstration facility has been constructed within a year since April 2023, covering an area of 1,300 square meters within the Geoje Shipyard. SHI plans to develop and test the performance and reliability of systems essential for the practical application of ammonia-powered ships, including △fuel supply systems, △re-liquefaction systems, and △emissions reduction systems. SHI will also research smart safety solutions such as △real-time leak detection and alarm systems, △toxicity neutralization devices, and △surveillance systems utilizing quadrupedal robots.

SHI aims to secure core technologies within the ammonia value chain based on this facility and promote the localization of related equipment in collaboration with relevant companies and institutions.

Previously, SHI has succeeded in localizing core LNG technologies such as the Korean LNG cargo hold (KC-2C) and natural gas liquefaction system sense 4 (SENSE IV) utilizing its integrated shipbuilding and offshore LNG demonstration facility which was built in 2020. SHI is showing an excellent performance in the LNG carrier and FLNG market based on such high technological competitiveness.

SHI recently obtained technical certification from Norway’s DNV classification society for its Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLAC). SHI is also participating in a national project to build a demonstrative liquid hydrogen facility for ships, part of the government’s hydrogen industry development plan. SHI is putting robust effort to transform the Geoje Shipyard into a research and development hub for eco-friendly materials such as LNG, ammonia, and liquid hydrogen.

“Samsung Heavy Industries will lead the advancement of carbon-neutral technologies to serve as a platform for developing new technologies and products that the market demands,” said SHI’s Vice Chairman Sung-an Choi. 

“We believe ammonia will be adapted as a fuel for maritime applications at a fast past and SHI’s newly built ammonia pilot test facility will set new high safety rules and standards,” said Aristotelis Konsolakis, the Site Manager of TMS Cardiff Gas and expressed high expectations for this facility.