ClassNK grants approval in principle for large ammonia-powered ship design
The vessel addresses anticipated ammonia fuel and power plant shifts.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and its partners have received the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) approval in principle for its design for an ammonia-powered vessel.
The large-size ammonia-powered carrier is being developed by MOL with Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. since 2021.
“The companies are developing the vessel in anticipation of wide use of ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel and hydrogen carrier, and in response to further demand for ammonia fuel transitions in power plants,” MOL said.
ClassNK reviewed the basic plans and results of the hazard identification study (HAZID). In HAZID, the safety of ammonia toxicity, which is a major concern, was studied and evaluated as a top priority, and sufficient countermeasures have been implemented in the design.
The carrier features larger cargo tanks than very large gas carriers (VLGCs) and very large ammonia carriers (VLACs), enabling low-emission transport and higher cargo capacity, whilst also using ammonia as fuel.
It also meets the restrictions on entry into major power plants in Japan, whilst maintaining specifications consistent with current VLGCs in terms of connections to power plants and ammonia supply terminals during loading and discharging.
