Mitsubishi Shipbuilding designs ammonia-ready VLGC

Japanese firm Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has completed a conceptual design for a very large gas carrier (VLGC) that will initially be powered by LPG and later have the option to run on ammonia.

PHOTO: Model of the LPG-powered VLGC that is convertible to ammonia fuel. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

The design has been approved by Japanese classification society ClassNK.

After years of exploring ammonia-fuelled VLGCs, Mitsubishi says the design will support the future needs for small-scale ship retrofitting when ammonia bunkering becomes more widespread.

It expects strong demand for ammonia in the future as it shows promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Last year, the shipbuilder partnered with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Namura Shipbuilding to develop a large-size ammonia carrier that can also be fuelled by ammonia.