ClassNK issues AiP for large ammonia-powered ammonia carrier
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. has jointly developed a large ammonia carrier that uses ammonia as fuel, in collaboration with MOL and Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
The approval was given through ClassNK's review of basic design drawings and risk assessment conducted by ClassNK based on the basic design. In order to respond quickly to the future demands, the design have been completed in more detail than generally required for the AiP.
ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a large-size ammonia-powered ammonia carrier, jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. to transport large volumes of ammonia with low emissions. The certification demonstrates its feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives.
Ammonia is expected to see wider use as a zero-carbon fuel and increased demand in power plants since it does not emit CO₂ when combusted. The carrier features larger cargo tanks than very large gas carriers (VLGCs) and very large ammonia carriers (VLACs), while also enabling low-emission transport with ammonia as fuel. In addition, it meets the restrictions on entry into major power plants in Japan, while maintaining specifications consistent with current VLGCs in terms of connections to power plants and ammonia supply terminals during loading and discharging.
