ClassNK issues AiP for ammonia-ready LNG-fuelled Panamax bulk carrier

ClassNK issues Approval in Principle (AiP) for ammoniaready LNG-fuelled Panamax bulk carrier developed by GSC

Major classification society ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design of an ammonia-ready LNG-fuelled Panamax bulk carrier developed by Planning and Design Center for Greener Ships (GSC).

Ammonia is expected to be used as ship fuel for decarbonization since it does not emit CO2 when burned. Meanwhile, taking adequate safety measures is essential due to its characteristics of being toxic to humans and corrosive against materials, and ClassNK has worked on development of standards and certification.

In 2021, ClassNK published its “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels” to minimize the risks related to ammonia-fuelled ships for the ships, crew, and environment by stipulating require ments for installation, controls, and safety devices. ClassNK subsequently issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design of an ammonia-fuelled Panamax bulk carrier developed by GSC in January 2022.

GSC describes the newly developed design as LNGfuelled but ready for ammonia-fuelled. For the short-term aiming lower CO2 emissions, it will be operated by using LNG fuel. For the long-term aiming toward zero CO2 emissions, it has two scenarios; in the first scenario, it is converted to ammonia fuelled propulsion systems, in the second scenario, it will keep the systems but will switch its fuel from LNG to liquified carbon-neutral methane. The ship is developed as a flexible and efficient solution to enduring the unpredict able period of fuel transition.

ClassNK reviewed the design as an LNG-fuelled ship based on its Rule Part GF incorporating IGF Code, and as an ammonia-ready ship based on Concept Design category of its ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels’ Annex 1 verifying the conformity to their AiP Handover Ceremony (at ClassNK booth, Sea Japan 2022). R: Shinjiro Mishima, Representative Director, GSC; L:Hiroaki Sakashita, President & CEO, ClassNK. Images of ammonia-ready LNG-fuelled Panamax bulk carrier (courtesy of GSC). requirements as an LNGfuelled ship and a future ammonia-fuelled ship, ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) as an ammonia-ready LNGfuelled ship. ClassNK will continue to participate in innovative initiatives related to decarb on iz at ion. By incorpor ating the expertise obtained from the collaborative work with frontrunners into its rules and guidelines, ClassNK will support the decarbonization of the entire industry. APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE (AIP) At the initial stage of designing or before the specific target ship to be implemented is decided, the design is examined based on the existing regulations such as international treaties and ship classification rules, and an Approval in Principle (AiP) is issued as proof of conformity with require ments. It also prevents rework of regulatory aspects in the post-process, shortens the examination time at the time of class registration, and can be used as a technical basis for external appeal of the design status.