ABS has awarded an approval in principle for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunker vessel designed to supply ammonia as a marine fuel.
The approval in principle, or AIP, covers a basic design produced through a joint development between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. The announcement was made at Gastech 2026 and reported on 21 September 2026.
The design specifies a 22,000 cubic metre cargo capacity and is described by the reporting as a bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia to ships. The AIP is for the basic design rather than for construction or certification of completed vessels.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, often abbreviated HD HHI, and sister unit HD KSOE collaborated on the project that led to the approval. The two companies undertook a joint development initiative earlier this year which culminated in the submission of the design to ABS.
At Gastech 2026 the AIP was presented as the outcome of that collaborative work. The report identifies the award of the AIP by ABS as the public milestone for the project but did not list further technical or commercial commitments.
Scope of the approval
An approval in principle confirms that ABS found the proposed basic design concept acceptable against applicable rules and intent, according to the report. The AIP applies specifically to the basic design for a 22,000 CBM ammonia bunkering vessel rather than to complete ship construction or operator approvals.
The vessel is described as a bunker supplier, implying its primary role is to carry and transfer ammonia fuel to other ships. No further technical specifications, such as propulsion arrangements, tank type or transfer systems, were provided in the published summary.
Project and industry context
The joint development between HD HHI and HD KSOE reflects increased industry interest in dedicated ammonia supply infrastructure for shipping. The report frames the AIP as a step toward enabling ammonia bunkering but does not suggest a construction schedule or confirmed orders.
The announcement at Gastech 2026 places the design in the context of contemporary energy transition discussions showcased at that conference. The report does not detail commercial partners, port plans or regulatory clearances beyond the ABS AIP.
The reports item dated 21 September 2026 served as the public notice of the ABS decision. The report was limited to the award of the AIP and the high-level project description; it did not publish technical drawings, timetables or statements from the organisations involved.
Further steps for the design would typically include detailed engineering, regulatory approvals for construction and operation, and coordination with fuel suppliers and ports for bunkering operations. The published summary, however, confined itself to the AIP announcement and the parties involved.
As reported, the AIP for a 22,000 CBM ammonia bunkering vessel marks a formal design milestone for the HD HHI and HD KSOE collaboration and sets the stage for subsequent engineering and regulatory work needed to bring such ships into service.