CLASSNK has issued an Approval in Principle for an ammonia-fuelled 200,000-DWT bulk carrier. The vessel was jointly developed by Itochu Corporation, Nihon Shipyard, Mitsui E&S Machinery, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), and NS United Kaiun Kaisha.
ClassNK said it 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 minimise the risks related to ammonia-fuelled ships for the ships, crews, and environment by stipulating requirements for installation, controls, and safety devices.
The classification society carried out the design review of the vessel developed by the vessel’s developers in line with Part C of its guidelines. In addition, the risk assessment through HAZID (Hazard Identification Study) was verified and issued the approval in principle on verifying that it complies with the prescribed requirements.
A statement from K Line said the acquisition of the approval in principle is an important milestone for the implementation of ammonia-fuelled ships.
K Line said it expects to take delivery of the vessel in 2026.
