LR nod for two Chinese ammonia vessel concepts

Lloyd's Register (LR) has issued two separate approvals in principle for ammonia-capable vessel concepts developed by the Marine Design and Research Institute of China.

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One of the approvals pertains to a 360,000-dwt dual-fuel iron ore carrier that can run on ammonia along with conventional fuels. It will also be fitted with an open-loop scrubber "to reduce fuel costs", according to LR.

“Two type C ammonia tanks will be located in the wing tanks of the cargo hold area, with fuel preparation room on deck in the same area. Bunker stations will be open type, with top cover providing protection from cargo drop. All are distanced from accommodation areas, offering better segregation from toxic gas,” LR explained about the carrier design.

"Type C tanks are insulated cylindrical, bi-lobe or tri-lobe shaped tanks that can be fully or partially pressurized, depending on the liquefied gas to be stored," according to classification society Bureau Veritas.

The carrier will also feature an ammonia operation monitoring system as a safety measure onboard.

The other approval is for a dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) design with 12,800-CEU capacity. The vessel has been conceptualised to use ammonia along with conventional fuels, LR said.

“Solar energy [technology] and batteries can also be integrated” in the PCTC design, it added.

By Konica Bhatt

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