A large ammonia-fueled bulk carrier vessel designed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Mitsui has received an approval in principle (AiP) from ClassNK. Both companies jointly determined the size and specifications for the vessel.
The certification society conducted a review of the bulk carrier’s design in line with Part C of the company’s guidelines, before issuing the AiP on verifying conformity to the prescribed requirements., ClassNK will also carry out a risk assessment to ensure there are no risks or issues present at the basic design stage. The assessment will also enable ClassNK to identify items which need to be considered at the detailed design stage.
Despite ammonia being a cleaner alterative to much more polluting forms of maritime fuel, adequate safety measures must be put in place as the fuel is toxic to humans and corrosive to materials. Due to this, ClassNK issued its ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels’ as a standard to minimize the risks related to ammonia-fueled ships for the vessels, crews and the environment by outlining the necessary requirements for installation, controls and safety devices.