The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has approved in principle a “pioneering” ammonia (R717)-based HVAC refrigeration system for ships developed by Korean shipbuilding company HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

“This is an exciting development from HHI for the maritime industry’s decarbonization quest to find sustainable solutions,” said Panos Koutsourakis, Vice President of Global Sustainability at ABS.

According to the press release, HHI developed the new system in response to shipowners’ requests for an eco-friendly ammonia-based HVAC refrigeration system, using a refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential.

“We will continue to make efforts to realize maritime carbon neutrality by strengthening the eco-friendliness of not only the propulsion device, but also the overall ship,” said Hwan-Sik Lee, Head of HHI’s Ship Design Office.

Houston, Texas-based ABS publishes technical standards for ships and marine structures. The bureau used its marine vessel rules to technically evaluate HHI’s system, including design, materials, piping, electrical, fire and safety equipment, operational tests and risk assessments, ABS said.

“ABS is committed to leading the industry in supporting ammonia’s safe adoption at sea, and we are well placed to tackle the challenges on board and ashore presented by ammonia’s toxicity and flammability,” said Koutsourakis.

Headquartered in Ulsan, South Korea, HHI envisions building “more efficient and sustainable ships” by integrating global maritime data and AI analytics to reduce the carbon footprint of trade, according to the company’s website.

Founded in 1862, ABS seeks to serve the public, its members and clients by “promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment,” the ABS website says.

“This is an exciting development from HHI for the maritime industry’s decarbonization quest to find sustainable solutions.”

Panos Koutsourakis, Vice President of Global Sustainability at ABS