South Korea is taking a leading role in shaping international standards for key components used in next-generation, eco-friendly ships powered by ammonia and hydrogen — a move aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and global competitiveness in the green maritime industry.
According to the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, South Korea will propose two new international standards during the ISO Technical Committee on Ships and Marine Technology (ISO/TC 8/SC 3) meeting, held in Busan from November 3 to 6.
The proposed standards will focus on testing procedures for valves and heat exchangers used in ammonia-fueled ships. These components are crucial for ensuring the safe handling of alternative fuels, which are highly efficient but present unique technical and safety challenges.
Global shipbuilders have been accelerating efforts to develop vessels powered by ammonia and hydrogen in response to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s tightening greenhouse gas emission regulations. As one of the world’s leading shipbuilding nations, South Korea is working to establish international benchmarks that reflect its technological leadership in the sector.
KATS expects that once these Korean-led proposals are adopted as official ISO standards, they will help domestic companies secure a competitive edge in the emerging ammonia-fueled ship market, which is seen as a key solution for decarbonizing global shipping.
KATS Administrator Kim Dae-ja said, “It is highly meaningful for South Korea to lead the development of international standards for future ship technologies that align with the global push for carbon neutrality.”
He added, “By strengthening our standardization capabilities in eco-friendly alternative fuel technologies, we will help domestic shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers gain a stronger foothold in the global market.”
