Korean Register (KR) has been appointed as the Coordinator for two expert groups under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) focusing on ammonia effluent management and nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduction strategies. As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to lower greenhouse gas emissions, ammonia-fueled vessels are emerging as a zero-carbon alternative. However, the toxicity of ammonia and the lack of international management standards pose challenges.
To address these issues, KR formed a joint working group in June 2025 with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR), and five major shipbuilders. This collaboration aims to establish the necessary technical and regulatory frameworks. Building on this groundwork, KR and MOF presented key technical considerations at the 13th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 13) in February 2026, leading to the expedited consideration of ammonia effluent regulations.
Following PPR 13, a new expert group on ammonia effluent management was formed, with KR’s Senior Surveyor KIM Joonghun as Coordinator. The group, which includes around 100 global experts, will work until PPR 14 to develop international guidelines. KR is also coordinating another expert group focused on NOx reduction strategies, led by Deputy Senior Surveyor KIM Changkyu, to assist shipowners and port authorities in implementing regulations.
