ABS has awarded two approvals in principle (AiPs) to COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry and COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Technology for their ammonia-fuelled vessel and the associated ammonia supply system designs, which are being trialled on a tugboat.
Given the challenging characteristics of ammonia, ABS conducted a comprehensive review and risk assessment focused on ammonia filling, storage, supply, ventilation and emergency handling in the AiP process to address the safety and reliability of the systems.
Georgios Plevrakis, ABS VP Global Sustainability said: “These are exciting developments for COSCO Shipping and China shipbuilding to show leadership in the decarbonisation of our industry. Ammonia offers ship owners and operators a zero-carbon, tank-to-wake emissions profile. Yet, we also recognise 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.”
Ji-Jiang Jiang, GM COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, said: “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. In the future, we will continue to pioneer innovation, with the development of green, low-carbon and smart shipping.”
The tugboat is designed to be 36m in length with a towing capacity of up to 60t. The ammonia supply system will be part of the vessel, providing ammonia for propulsion.
