Classification society the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has awarded two approvals in principle (AIPs) to Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry and Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Technology for the design of an ammonia-fueled vessel and an ammonia supply system, which is currently undergoing trials on board a tugboat.
The design outlines a tugboat that will be 36m long with a towing capacity of up to 60 tons. The ammonia supply system will be part of the vessel and will provide ammonia for propulsion.
As part of the AiP process and to ensure the safety and reliability of onboard systems, ABS carried out a review and risk assessment that focused on ammonia filling, storage, supply, ventilation and emergency handling.
“These are exciting developments for Cosco Shipping and Chinese shipbuilding to show leadership in the decarbonization of our industry. Ammonia offers shipowners and operators a zero-carbon, tank-to-wake emissions profile,” said Georgios Plevrakis, vice president of global sustainability at ABS. “Yet we also recognize that ammonia presents a specific set of safety and technology challenges, and ABS is committed to leading the industry in supporting its safe adoption at sea.”
“This is the first comprehensive technology research project in China focusing on ammonia burning, ammonia-diesel, dual-fuel engine, ammonia fuel supply system, exhaust gas treatment and onboard application demonstration, which is of great significance and has far-reaching impact,” explained Ji-Jiang Jiang, general manager at Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry. “In the future, we will continue to pioneer innovation with the development of green, low-carbon and smart shipping.”