Japanese ammonia-powered gas carrier receives AiP from ClassNK and LR

Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding have received approval in principle (AiP) from classification societies -- ClassNK and Lloyd’s Register (LR) for the jointly planned ammonia-powered gas carrier.

PHOTO: Prototype of CG rendering of an ocean-going liquefied gas carrier. MOL

The dual-fuel gas carrier can run on ammonia or LPG, but MOL plans to operate the carrier entirely on ammonia fuel. A portion of the onboard ammonia cargo will be as fuel, MOL says.

ClassNK and LR granted the AiP after thorough risk assessments.

“Leveraging the knowledge gained from these risk assessments and AiP acquisition, the three companies will move ahead with the design of the vessel,” the companies said in a joint statement.

Additionally, MOL, MAN Energy Solutions and Mitsui E&S Machinery are jointly developing a dual-fuel ammonia engine with plans to deliver the first engine by 2026.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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