- New MOU Signed to Advance Ammonia Dual-Fuel Container Ship Design.
- Collaboration Expands with Inclusion of Liberian Registry.
- Focus on the Feasibility and Safety of Ammonia as a Zero-Carbon Fuel.
Lloyd’s Register (LR), Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) and MAN Energy Solutions (MAN-ES) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) while adding a new name to the upgrade in the design of ammonia dual-fuel operation for an 8200 TEU container vessel, reports LR.
Feasibility of Ammonia
The MOU, signed at LR’s Container Ship Forum at SMM in Hamburg on 5 September, continues a collaborative project launched in May 2023. It focuses on examining the feasibility of ammonia as a marine fuel.
Strengthening Ammonia-Fueled Ship Design
This second phase will use interim guidelines from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), published toward the end of this month. It will guide the use of ammonia as a marine fuel.
The guidelines are likely to continue evolving for the ammonia dual-fuel operation of the 8200 TEU SDARI container ship. This vessel is currently under construction in China.
Risk-Based Certification Approach
During the previous phase, a multi-stakeholder risk-based certification approach was adopted. It evaluates the feasibility, safety, and operational profile of this design for the ammonia fuel variant of the twin island container ship designed at SDARI.
Technical specifications and design documents for this were developed during the previous phase.
SDARI’s Design and Documentation
For this next phase, SDARI will prepare consolidated specifications and design documentation for the ammonia dual-fuel variant.
They will work closely with MAN Energy Solutions. It has provided essential data for the design of the engine room, ammonia fuel supply systems, and emission abatement systems.
Lloyd’s Register and LISCR’s Safety Verification
Some verification examples are Lloyd’s Register and LISCR. These will verify that the designs meet all safety standards and adhere to regulations in the use of ammonia. Their involvement ensures the technology solution is innovative but also secure for widespread usage.
Industry Views and Analysis of Ammonia-Powered Ships
Giuseppe Gargiulo, head of new building at MSC, said: “We are pleased to continue our strong working relationship in this important project to develop and test the feasibility of an ammonia-fueled container ship. MSC is committed to sustainability and exploring different alternative fuel options.”
Zhou Zhiyong, vice president of SDARI, emphasised the assessment of risks and opportunities related to the use of zero-carbon fuels, such as ammonia. He said, “We are delighted to continue this exciting project, which is crucial for sharing learnings across the maritime supply chain,”.
Bjarne Foldager the head of 2-stroke at MAN Energy Solutions mentioned “Engaging in this collaboration supports our strategic goal of delivering decarbonization solutions to our valued partners,”.
Nick Gross, Container Ship Segment Director at Lloyd’s Register said “Leveraging our collective expertise and LR’s experience in certifying ammonia-powered designs, this project is making significant progress toward achieving a sustainable containership network.”
Thomas Klenum, Liberian Registry’s Executive Vice President, said he is proud of the initiative. He proved himself to be quite satisfied with joining it.
He mentioned that ammonia is one of the most promising solutions to get international shipping to net zero, continuing, “By properly addressing the safety challenges of ammonia fuel, this project offers promising prospects for the container ship segment”.
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Source: Lloyd’s Register
