Unmanned ammonia engine room gets tick of approval

Autonomous engine rooms: minimizing crew exposure, enhancing safety

Click to learn more about the new AiP for an unmanned ammonia engine room. Source: American Bureau of Shipping.

The American Bureau of Shipping has granted Approval in Principle for two new autonomous technology packages. Developed by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the two AiPs are the result of a long-running project between Hyundai and ABS, based on ABS’ requirements for onboard autonomous technology.

AiPs were awarded for an unmanned ammonia engine room, plus an AI safety package with rapid-response capabilities:

The Unmanned Ammonia Engine Room technology allows for a remote propulsion control station with gas safety technology on the navigation bridge of an ammonia-fueled vessel with the capability to monitor the machinery space. The centralized control station can be periodically unattended and can take automated corrective actions in the event of a fault in the machinery.

The AI Ammonia Safety Package applies advanced AI technologies for machinery management and interior and exterior safety management in conjunction with ammonia-fueled ship design. The package is integrated into HD Hyundai’s Integrated Safety Control Solution (HiCAMS, AI+Vision) and Integrated Condition Diagnosis Solution (HiCBM, AI+CBM) and features a rapid response fire-fighting station in the event of fire in the propulsion machinery space.

Details of the unmanned engine room and AI safety package, from ABS’ official press release, 24 Sept 2024

In collaboration with ABS, we have established an improved remote monitoring and automated system, which minimizes crew access to the engine room and is expected to facilitate safer voyages for the crew. This advanced concept will serve as an applicable solution for future newbuilding projects, meeting the demands of customers who seek safety-first ammonia-fueled ships. Furthermore, we anticipate that the AI Safety Package, when combined with the Unmanned Engine Room concept, will serve to enhance the safety level for the crew.

Jaejun Jung, Executive Vice President of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, in ABS’ official press release, 24 Sept 2024