Joint development project for mid-size liquified gas carrier with Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING, with a main engine capable of using ammonia as fuel.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. with Approval in Principle (AiP) for its Ammonia-fuelled liquified gas carrier.
The vessel, developed by Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING as part of a Joint Development Project (JDP), is a medium-sized liquified gas carrier which is equipped with a main engine currently under development that is capable of using ammonia as fuel.
Ammonia has long been transported as cargo by liquefied gas carriers, but so far it has not been used as a marine fuel. Mitsui’s vessel will use part of the ammonia loaded as cargo as fuel, with the goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions during the vessels the voyage.
Seen as a high potential alternative fuel to support the maritime energy transition, ammonia emits no CO2 when it is burned, however, its characteristics of flammability, toxicity, and corrosiveness mean that safety and infrastructure are crucial for its safe adoption.
In line with this, LR conducted a thorough HAZID analysis and Preliminary Appraisal of Rules (PAR), using our guidelines and in-depth knowledge of ship safety for vessels using ammonia as fuel to ensure high standards of safety in the design process.
Seiji Hamanaka, LR Yokohama Technical Support Office Manager, said:
“We are proud to support this JDP and its ongoing decarbonisation efforts with the award of Approval in Principle for Mitsui’s Ammonia-Fuelled LCO2 carrier. LR is pleased to offer our vast experience on HAZID for ammonia safety as part of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd’s design.”
Ken Furuya, Executive Officer, General Manager of Sales Dept, Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding said:
“We, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, would like to express our appreciation to LR and Class NK for the support and cooperation to this JDP. This AiP is an important mile stone for us. We will continue to make an effort to complete this project successfully. Anticipating an increase in the need for ammonia as a marine fuel and greater demand for transporting it, the three companies are committed to playing a role in society's overall decarbonization efforts by providing clean ocean transport solutions with the zero emission ocean-going vessels.”
