- The 180-m vessel will have a storage capacity of 40,000 m3 and its design envisions using its ammonia cargo as fuel.
- Adequate safety measures are imperative as ammonia is toxic to humans and corrosive to materials.
- ClassNK has been involved in projects aiming for zero-emissions ships using ammonia fuel in terms of safety assessment.
ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for an ammonia-fuelled gas carrier jointly developed by Mitsui OSK Lines, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding.
Ammonia-fuelled gas carrier
The 180-m vessel will have a storage capacity of 40,000 m3 and its design envisions using its ammonia cargo as fuel.
For its main engine, the ship is expected to use a Mitsui-MAN B&W type S60 two-stroke dual-fuel ammonia engine, which is currently under development.
ClassNK reviewed the design of the ammonia-fuelled gas carrier in line with Part C of its guidelines, and examined the risk assessment through HAZID. Upon confirming it complies with the prescribed requirements, an AiP was issued.
Scaling up ammonia supply chain
Efforts are underway to scale up the ammonia supply chain as the fuel is expected to be used widely, both as a marine fuel and as a carrier for hydrogen.
Meanwhile, adequate safety measures are imperative as ammonia is toxic to humans and corrosive to materials.
ClassNK has been involved in projects aiming for zero-emissions ships using ammonia fuel in terms of safety assessment, and has issued its Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels as a necessary standard to minimise the risks related to ammonia-fuelled ships for the ships, crews and environment by stipulating requirements for installation, controls and safety devices.
Joint development program
Speaking on the occasion, Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding executive officer and general manager of sales, Ken Furuya said, “We, MOL, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, would like to express our appreciation to ClassNK and Lloyd’s Register for the support and co-operation to this joint development project.
This AiP is an important milestone for us. We will continue to make an effort to complete this project successfully.”
Ammonia marine fuel increase
“Anticipating an increase in the need for ammonia as a marine fuel and greater demand for transporting it, the three companies are committed to playing a role in society’s overall decarbonisation efforts by providing clean ocean transport solutions with zero-emissions oceangoing vessels.”
ClassNK corporate officer, director of plan approval and technical solution division, Masaki Matsunaga commented, “ClassNK is honored to have had the opportunity to be involved as a certification body in this concrete effort toward decarbonisation.”
He added, “For the project’s target to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions while underway, we will continue to provide necessary support through technical expertise.”
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Source: Riviera
