ClassNK News

Under Zero-Emission Accelerating Ship Finance (“the Program”), which is jointly operated by Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) and ClassNK, ClassNK evaluated the ammonia carrier “GAS INNOVATOR” (IMO No. 9958688), which was designed and built based on the basic certification for ammonia-fuel-ready ships and is owned by IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (IINO Lines). Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) provided financing to IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (IINO Lines). Comprehensive sco...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to a Smart Ship© Hub, developed by Smart Ship© Hub Digital. Smart Ship© Hub is described as an easy & quick to deploy remote vessel management platform for safety, reliability and operational efficiencies. ClassNK verified its functions ClassNK has verified its functions, 1. Condition and health monitoring of the machinery, 2. Pattern recognition of the machinery’s operation data to determine...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to a vessel & voyage performance monitoring platform called “Cassandra” developed by Deep Sea Technologies SMPC. "Cassandra" is a platform that integrates performance data from vessels with AI technology, and then enables real-time monitoring of the ship’s current status. It is cloud-based and designed to monitor fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, as well as hull and engine performance from shore. C...

Hitachi Zosen Corporation and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha are pleased to announce that the jointly proposed 'Development of N2O Reactors for Ammonia-Fueled Carrier' has been selected by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) as a 'Next Generation Ship Development' which was additionally invited in November 2023 as a part of Green Innovation Fund Project (hereinafter 'GI Fund Project'). In July 2023, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) set a target o...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to a straight leg course control - called “ACE Function” (ACE: Advanced Control for Ecology), which can be integrated with the autopilot systems, “PR-9000” and “PR-6000” offered by TOKYO KEIKI INC. The company describes that “ACE Function” can automatically create a straight route and implement navigation at the shortest distance, only by setting the ship's current positio...

ClassNK has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) for the design of a multi-functional floating offshore windfarm support vessel (MFSV) developed by “K” Line Wind Service, Ltd., a joint venture of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd, together with Japan Marine United Corporation and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. Floating offshore wind turbines The installation of floating offshore wind turbines requires mooring works by vessels, with the whole mooring syst...

Tokyo - ClassNK has released 'Environmental Guidelines (Edition 4.1).' The guidelines newly specify the class notations related to green steel products and microplastics collecting systems. In response to environmental challenges such as climate change and marine pollution, the introduction of various environmental technologies to ships, beyond compliance with regulations, is promoted. For evaluating these efforts, ClassNK has issued its ‘Environmental Guidelines’ which set out crit...

ClassNK has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) for the design of a prismatic ammonia fuel tank (IMO Type B independent tank) for container ships developed by the Planning and Design Centre for Greener Ships (GSC). Ammonia is expected to be used as a marine fuel for shipping decarbonisation since it does not emit CO2 when combusted. However, its utilisation presents challenges, such as the risk of leakage and relatively low volumetric efficiency. Shape of the storage space While Type B tan...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to the Digital Learning Management System (Ver.2) developed by MarinePALS, a unit of Maritime Knowledge Ltd. Digital Learning Management System is an education and training suite of micro-learning videos, gaming apps for learning and virtual reality programs, and mentoring online. Functions of management system ClassNK has verified the functions of the Digital Learning Management System. A comprehensive digital le...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system developed by YANMAR Power Technology Co., Ltd. (YANMAR PT). This is the first AiP certification for a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system developed by a Japanese manufacturer. Hydrogen fuel cells are gaining attention as a potential means to help reduce GHG emissions from shipping. Meanwhile, due to the unique characteristics of hydrogen, distinct from conventional gas fuels, safety discussions are activel...

ClassNK has released new features for its GHG Emissions Management Tool, 'ClassNK ZETA (Zero Emission Transition Accelerator)'. ClassNK ZETA is a tool for visualising GHG emissions and CII ratings of ships. and is used for over 5,000 ships. Based on data submitted to 'ClassNK MRV Portal', a system for fuel consumption reporting in compliance with regulations, such as IMO-DCS and EU-MRV, ClassNK ZETA provides accurate current status and simulation for reducing GHG emissions from ships and suppor...

ClassNK has issued Approvals in Principle (AiPs) for four cutting-edge ship designs developed by Marine Design & Research Institute of China (MARIC). The four designs – a 210k methanol dual-fuelled bulk carrier, a 210k ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carrier, a 210k LNG dual-fuelled bulk carrier, and an 88k LPG dual-fuelled very large gas carrier – represent MARIC’s approach to offer a range of environmentally friendly alternatives for the industry transitions towards the ultima...

ClassNK has issued Approvals in Principle (AiPs) for three vehicle carrier designs developed by the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI). The first AiP acknowledges an ammonia ready LNG dual-fueled vehicle carrier with a capacity of 7,000 CEU, a significant first in China’s independently developed design. For the ship with the dimension of LOA 199.99m x B 38m × D 37m, Draft 8.6m, SDARI integrates the GTT MARK III Flex containment system for LNG and ammonia...

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF), whose founding members include ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ClassNK, Japan’s Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Norwegian Maritime Authority, and the U.K.’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, welcomed the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) as an associate member, further strengthening MTF’s collaborative approach to advancing safety and sustainability in the maritime industry. Globa...

ClassNK has released "Guidelines for Cyber Resilience of on-board systems and equipment". The guidelines expound new IACS Unified Requirements (UR). For supporting the consideration of measures to ensure the cybersecurity of ships. Cyber resilience IACS has established UR E26 for ships and UR E27 for onboard systems and equipment as minimum requirements for cyber resilience, which is the capability to reduce the occurrence and mitigate the effects of cyber incidents due to cyber-attacks. The...

Tokyo-based ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to a Blue Visby Solution developed by Blue Visby Services Ltd. The company describes Blue Visby Solution as a multilateral platform for reducing shipping GHG emissions by 15% by eradicating the practice of ‘Sail Fast, then Wait (SFTW)’ by overcoming the obstacles of implementing ‘Just-in-Time’ berthing. Collaborative technological and contractual platform It consists of a collaborat...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a parcel layout concept for a hydrogen-fueled multi-purpose vessel developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., MOL Drybulk Ltd., Onomichi Dockyard Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Japan Engine Corporation. This is the world’s first AiP certification for a ship equipped with a large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fueled engine as the main propulsion engine. Growth and building of the vessel According to the companies, demon...

ClassNK has released a white paper 'Pathway to Zero-Emission in International Shipping – Understanding the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy'. In July 2023, the IMO adopted the ‘2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships’, which includes goals such as achieving net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050. While the strategy sets numerical targets for reducing GHG emissions as well as indicative checkpoints, the maritime industry has not yet reached a common understanding of w...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to a Berthing Aid System developed by Furuno Electric Co., Ltd (Furuno). In order to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, ClassNK has offered Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions. ClassNK supports the deployment of products and services through third-party certification for equipment and software technology with innovative functions. Situational awareness Berthing Aid System us...

ClassNK has released "Guidelines for Fuel Cell Power Systems On Board Ships (Second Edition)", which cover safety provisions related to the design of ships powered by fuel cells as well as fuel cell power systems themselves, coming in anticipation of the growing adoption of fuel cells in maritime transport. Fuel cells are power systems that use electrical energy obtained from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Notably, they do not emit CO2 during electricity generation, position...

ClassNK is hosting the "EU-ETS Seminar-Get Ready for EU Allowance in the Shipping Sector" in Singapore, inviting experts in EU Allowance (EUA) trading. It aims to share insights and guidance to help shipping companies prepare for the upcoming carbon credit scheme required for ships operating in EU waters.  Following the recent amendments to the EU Directive for EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) that extend its scope to the shipping sector, shipping companies will be mandated to manage E...

Tokyo-based classification society, ClassNK has conducted third-party certification for the CO2 emissions reductions of ‘JGreeX’, green-steel products provided by JFE Steel Corporation. ‘JGreeX’, green-steel products For each JGreeX product, JFE Steel uses the mass balance approach to determine the level of CO2 emissions reductions. Under this approach, the environmental values of CO2 emissions reductions across entire manufacturing processes are aggregated to any produ...

Tokyo-based classification society - ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for an onboard CO2 capture and storage (OCCS) system, developed by China Shipbuilding Power Engineering Institute Co., Ltd. (CSPI), a member of CSSC Power (Group) Co. Ltd. (CPGC). In addition to fuel transition, interest in capturing CO2 from ships' exhaust gas is growing as a way to reduce GHG emissions, and the development of onboard systems for capturing and storing CO2 is being undertaken. ‘Guideli...

Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has joined the major classification societies to amend its rules relating to the inspection of seawater-lubricated propeller shaft systems. The amendment means that ships with open seawater-lubricated propeller shafts that are built to ClassNK rules are subject to the same 15-year shaft withdrawal inspection periods as oil-lubricated shafts and stern-tubes, subject to monitoring criteria. ClassNK amends rules for seawater-lubricated shafts The announcement brings...

Fukui Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (FUKUI) and ClassNK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning a joint study on a safety relief valve for a cargo tank of liquefied hydrogen carriers at the Gastech 2023 event, held in Singapore. To combat global warming, attention is growing towards hydrogen as an energy source that does not emit CO2 at the point of use. The realisation of a hydrogen-based society necessitates the establishment of a secure and efficient supply chain that distributes h...

ClassNK has released 'Guidelines for Liquefied Hydrogen (LH2) Carriers (Edition 2.0)', which cover essential details to examine the safety of liquefied hydrogen carriers to spur related technological developments. To construct a supply chain for hydrogen, which is expected to be a clean energy source in a decarbonised society, the development of liquefied hydrogen carriers that enable large-scale and efficient transportation is progressing actively. ClassNK’s R&D outcome IMO has wor...

Tokyo-based classification society, ClassNK has opened a new exclusive survey office in Paranagua, Brazil with operations beginning 1 September 2023. Paranagua, located in southern Brazil, ranks among the premier port cities in the country and has recently been expanding its port facilities. ClassNK's new survey office Recognising the increasing number of surveys and audits in the port and the neighbouring region, ClassNK has taken the initiative to open its newest office, aiming to provide m...

Tokyo - ClassNK has released ‘Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Electric Vehicles’ and ‘List of Fire Safety Measures for the Maritime Transportation of Electric Vehicles’ to support in enhancing the safety of maritime transportation of electric vehicles. The number of EVs transported by vessels has increased in recent years. However, there are concerns regarding the fire of their lithium-ion batteries due to difficulties in extinguishing and the risk of re-igniti...

ClassNK has released “FAQs on the FuelEU Maritime (1st Edition)”, an overview and necessary preparation for FuelEU Maritime, regulations newly introduced by the European Union (EU) to promote the decarbonisation of fuels used on board ships. The EU has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to the 1990 levels, to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Fit for 55 As part of a comprehensive climate policy package, "Fit for 55" for achiev...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia fuel supply system for an oil tanker and container ship developed by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI).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 ClassNK accepted out a review of an ideational design of the p...