Japanese Leaders Collaborate on Ammonia-Fueled Gas Carrier
April 14, 2023
ClassNK issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia-fueled gas carrier which has been jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding.
Ammonia is expected to be used as a ship fuel for decarbonization since it does not emit CO2 when combusted. While still in development, some project that it will be the dominate 'alternative fuel' starting in the mid-2030s.
Image courtesy of MOL, TSUNEISHI SHIPBUIDLING, and Mitsui E&S ShipbuidlingImage courtesy of MOL, TSUNEISHI SHIPBUIDLING, and Mitsui E&S Shipbuidling
In the meantime, adequate safety measures are imperative as it has been pointed out that ammonia is toxic to humans and corrosive to materials. 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 minimize the risks related to ammonia-fueled 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 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 examing the risk assessment through HAZID. Upon cofirming it complies with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP.
Click here to read more about MAN ES's development plans for it dual-fuel ammonia engine. From left: Isao Watanabe, General Manager, Carbon Power Solutions Unit, Integrated Wind & Carbon Power Solutions, Headquarters of Energy Business, MOL; Masaki Matsunaga, Corporate Officer, Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division, ClassNK; Yoshihiko Sugimoto, General Manager, Technical Division, Technology Innovation Unit, MOL; Ken Furuya, Executive Officer, General Manager of Sales Dept., Mitsui E&S Shipbuidling; and Keiichiro Sho, General Manager, Ship Sales Dept., Tsuneishi Shipbuilding.