The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and Siemens have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a safety system for ammonia-fueled vessels. The system combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation with digital twin technology, and the agreement was announced at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.

Engineers will be able to simulate leak and accident scenarios during the design phase and catch risks before construction begins. HD KSOE will contribute ammonia safety systems and experimental research, Siemens will provide simulation and digital twin technology, and ABS will supply safety assessment methods based on digital twins.

Ammonia is gaining ground as a lower-emission marine fuel, but it is toxic, corrosive and flammable at certain concentrations. The partners say physics-based simulation could improve engineering reliability and help speed safety certification for next-generation ammonia-powered ships.

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