ClassNK nod for Japanese ammonia and methanol fuel supply system concepts

Japanese classification society ClassNK has issued two separate approvals for alternative fuel supply system concepts: one for ammonia, and another for methanol.

PHOTO: Concept of methanol-capable vessel that will be developed by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding. Tsuneishi Shipbuilding

The concept of methanol fuel supply system has been designed by Japan’s Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding and that of ammonia fuel supply and gas abatement system has been developed by Japan’s Mitsubishi Shipbuilding.

Mitsubishi’s ammonia fuel supply system has been designed as part of Swiss engine maker Winterthur Gas & Diesel’s (WinGD) upcoming two-stroke ammonia-powered engine.

ClassNK has highlighted risks associated with handling methanol and ammonia and stated that both fuels must be handled with "adequate safety measures" onboard ships.

“Methanol poses risks in case of leakage due to its characteristics such as toxicity to humans and ease of ignition,” according to ClassNK, and ammonia is highly corrosive and toxic to humans.

The classification society has also published class guidelines that focus on safety requirements to support the development of vessels powered by alternative fuels, such as ammonia and methanol.

These include the IMO's interim guidelines on the safe handling of methanol fuel, ClassNK said. Its specifications for ammonia serve "as a necessary standard to minimize the risks associated with ammonia-fuelled ships for the crews, ship, and environment.”

Both ammonia and methanol fuel supply system concepts comply with these guidelines, it added.

By Konica Bhatt

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