Tokyo-based classification society, ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia fuelled gas carrier, which has been jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd., and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Ammonia is expected to be used as a ship fuel for decarbonisation, since it does not emit CO2 when combusted. Meanwhile, adequate safety measures are imperative, as it has been pointed out that ammonia is toxic to humans and corrosive to materials.
Zero-emission ships using ammonia fuel
ClassNK has been involved in projects aiming for zero-emission ships using ammonia fuel
ClassNK has been involved in projects aiming for zero-emission 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.
The vessel uses some of its ammonia cargo as fuel, and is targeting to achieve net zero CO2 emissions, while underway.
ClassNK’s review on jointly developed design for vessel
ClassNK carried out the review on jointly developed design of the ammonia fuelled medium size gas carrier, in line with Part C of its guidelines, and examining the risk assessment through HAZID. Upon confirming it complies with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ken Furuya, Executive Officer, General Manager of Sales Dept., Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding said, “We, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING and Mitsui E&S shipbuilding, would like to express our appreciation to ClassNK and Lloyd’s Register for the support and cooperation to this joint development project."
Mr. Ken Furuya adds, "This AiP is an important mile stone for us. We will continue to make an effort to complete this project successfully.”
Clean ocean transport solutions
The three companies are committed to playing a role in society’s overall decarbonisation efforts"
Mr. Ken Furuya adds, “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 the zero emission ocean-going vessels.”
Mr. Masaki Matsunaga, Corporate Officer, Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division, ClassNK said, “ClassNK is honoured to have had the opportunity to be involved as a certification body in this concrete effort toward decarbonisation through close collaboration among MOL, TSUNEISHI SHIPBUIDLING, and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, and has issued the AiP as a milestone.”
ClassNK offers support through technical expertise
Mr. Masaki Matsunaga adds, “For the project’s target to achieve net zero CO2 emissions, while underway, we will continue to provide necessary support through its technical expertise.”
Outline of the vessel:
- LOA: About 180 metres
- Breadth: About 30 metres
- Depth: About 19 metres
- Cargo tank capacity: About 40,000 cubic. metres
- Main engine: MITSUI-MAN B&W type S60 two-stroke dual-fuel ammonia engine (under development)