Korean Register grants AiP for duel-fuel methanol MR Tanker

South Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding and equipment maker S&SYS have won approval in principle (AiP) from the classification society Korean Register (KR) for the design of a methanol-fueled medium-range (MR) tanker concept.

PHOTO: KR Approves Jointly Developed Methanol-Fueled MR. Korean RegisterTanker

Methanol has emerged as one of the popular low-emission alternative fuels for shipping decarbonisation. The global methanol fleet is currently made up of 26 vessels, according to classification society DNV data. About 23 of the ones in operations are tankers.

More than 100 vessels capable of running on methanol are on order, of which 81 orders are for container ships, DNV data shows.

“Initiatives like the EU's 'Fit for 55' package… have underscored the urgency for shipping companies to explore viable solutions. Consequently, many major shipping companies have recently placed orders for methanol dual fuel vessels,” Korean Register says.

The MR tanker concept approved by the KR is designed as a dual-fuel vessel that can run on conventional marine fuel or methanol, with two methanol fuel tanks onboard. If constructed, it will join seven other methanol-fueled vessels in operation classified by KR, per the DNV data.

The Korean Register assesses novel concepts at an early stage to decide whether the project is feasible. After receiving an AIP, concept developers may proceed with the detailed designing and construction process, although completion of the project is not guaranteed.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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