ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for an ammonia–fuelled Panamax bulk carrier equipped with an IMO Type B independent fuel tank developed by the Planning and Design Centre for Greener Ships.
This is believed to be the first AiP for a ship with Type B tanks installed on the exposed deck. The certification demonstrates its feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives.
According to ClassNK, as decarbonisation becomes a major challenge for the shipping industry, ammonia, which emits no CO₂ during combustion, is expected to be used as a zero-carbon marine fuel. Traditionally, IMO Type C tanks have been the mainstream choice for ammonia fuelled ships and other alternative fuel ships due to their advantages in productivity and cost. Meanwhile, for the large-capacity fuel tanks required on ammonia-fuelled ships, IMO Type B tanks are gaining recognition as an alternative, offering superior cargo efficiency and outfitting flexibility.
ClassNK has been involved in projects aiming for zero-emission ships using ammonia fuel in terms of safety assessment, and has issued its Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels as a necessary standard to minimise the risks related to ammonia-fuelled ships for the ships, crews, and environment by stipulating requirements for installation, controls, and safety devices. Following a review of the ship design based on the above guidelines and the relevant rules and guidance for the survey and construction of steel ships. Upon confirming compliance with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP.
Image: Ammonia-fuelled Panamax bulk carrier equipped with an IMO Type B independent fuel tank (credit: Planning and Design Center for Greener Ships)
