ClassNK partners with maritime companies to study an ammonia-fuelled ammonia tanker
Classification society ClassNK has signed an agreement with a group of maritime companies to jointly study the development of an ammonia-powered ammonia tanker.
PHOTO: Getty Images
Besides ClassNK, other companies involved in the project include Singapore-based bunker supplier Consort Bunkers, Japanese engine maker Daihatsu Diesel, engineering firm Daikai Engineering and ship designer SeaTech Solutions International.
As per the agreement, all involved parties will pool their expertise to jointly study the concept design of an ammonia-fuelled ammonia tanker and “collaborate toward the realization of decarbonized shipping,” ClassNK says.
“Amid expectation for using ammonia fuel in pursuit of shipping decarbonization, bunkering ships for ammonia fueled ships will play an essential role in the supply chain. As such ships are also anticipated to use ammonia as their fuel, the development of ships that can not only transport and supply ammonia to other ships but also use it as fuel in a safe and efficient manner addressing ammonia-related risks, including its toxicity to humans and corrosiveness to materials,” ClassNK says.
“Recently, there has been an urgent need to reduce GHG emissions from ships, and the use of ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel has been attracting attention, however, there are issues with combustibility and safety," Daihatsu Diesel’s technical management division director Yoichi Hayata says.
Port operator Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was also part of the approval in principle (AiP) presentation, which took place at the Gastech 2023 conference in Singapore last week.
Ammonia gaining ground as an alternative fuel
Ammonia has increasingly been put forward as one of the most likely marine fuels with zero emission potential, with several shipowners and ports taking steps to adopt ammonia, and engine makers committing to develop ammonia-fuelled engines.
Among the host of ammonia-related developments this month, include approval by classification society ABS for ammonia-powered liquified natural gas (LNG) carrier design developed by South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean. Also, South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard’s (HMD) ammonia bunkering vessel received a nod from classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR).
Among engine makers, Swiss WinGD, German MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), Finnish Wärtsilä and Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) are working towards developing ammonia-fuelled engines.
Meanwhile, the Port of Singapore is gearing up to start ammonia bunkering in 2026. For this to happen, ammonia-fuelled vessels will have to enter the global fleet, and safety standards for ammonia bunkering will have to be finalised, according to the MPA.
By Tuhin Roy
Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online
