Lemissoler Navigation and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) have received ABS approval in principle (AiP) for its design of a 65,000 dwt methanol-fuelled ultramax bulk carrier, the first such methanol vessel for China’s shipbuilding industry.
Christopher J Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, said: “ABS understands and is deeply involved in supporting clients with decarbonisation solutions. Getting to net zero by 2050 is an ambitious target for the industry, requiring more renewable energy options, zero-carbon fuels, carbon-neutral fuels and carbon capture technologies. Lemissoler and SDARI’s new design using methanol is an important piece of the puzzle to create a more sustainable shipping industry.”
The design explores the feasibility of using methanol as fuel to accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions to reach the IMO’s net-zero target by 2050. With the implementation of EU ETS and FuelEU regulations, the vessel, when burning green methanol, will have a greater potential to reduce the cost related to carbon emissions. The vessel has been thoroughly optimised and its preliminary EEDI was reviewed and indicated that the vessel exceeds EEDI Phase 3 standards. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements.
Philippos Philis, Chairman and CEO, Lemissoler Navigation said: “We at Lemissoler are once again pioneering new technological and innovative designs for our dry bulk fleet. The collaboration with SDARI and ABS is proof of how much can be achieved collectively. This new evolutionary design is another step toward Lemissoler’s target to become net zero by 2045.”
SDARI VP Zhou Zhiyong added: “As the designer of this innovative methanol-fuelled vessel, SDARI is always committed to the tailor-made and practical solutions for customers’ demands, offering an optimised design to satisfy future maritime rules and regulations.”
