Malaysian flagship MISC and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have received an 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. 

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. 

“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,” MISC said in a release. 

The vessel eliminates direct CO₂ emissions, and could pave the way for broader adoption of ammonia-based fuel cell technology across the maritime sector.

Zahid Osman, president and group CEO of MISC said, “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.”