NYK Line has received an approval in principle for an ammonia bunkering vessel currently being researched and developed.
According to NYK, this is the first time a shipping company in Japan has independently obtained an AiP for an ammonia bunkering vessel from classification society ClassNK.
The shipping company’s Project Engineering Team, part of its technical group, created the designs necessary to obtain the AiP.
The design drawings were considered an important part of the approval process as they were made by the team itself rather than by shipyards and design companies.
The designs reportedly used an advanced 3D modelling method linked to the drawings in the initial conceptual design stage.
“3D modelling is usually done in the detailed design stage after the shipbuilding contract has been signed,” NYK said.
“The 3D models enabled for more in-depth discussions to take place about risk assessments of hazardous locations and escape routes during the hazard identification study in the process of obtaining the AiP.”
NYK said the models also allowed for specifications incorporating safety measures against the toxicity and corrosiveness of ammonia.
“The 3D model was used for the first time as a partial replacement of 2D drawings in ClassNK’s AiP drawing-approval process, significantly expanding the role of 3D models in future development projects,” the company said.
“NYK will continue to maximise opportunities for the use of 3D data by further expanding its application to concept development, construction, and ship management.”
NYK said it knowledge of the LNG fuel supply system use for Japan’s first LNG-fuelled car carrier was incorporated into the design of the ammonia bunkering vessel.
The LNG-fuelled carrier has been operated by NYK since October 2020.
The design also drew from knowledge of Japan’s first LNG bunkering vessel, which is operated by NYK affiliate Central LNG Marine Fuel Japan.
