Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has awarded approval in principle (AiP) to an electric-propelled very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) developed by Jiangnan Shipyard, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), recognising a next-generation vessel concept designed to support the safe, efficient and low-carbon transportation of ammonia.
The certification highlights the latest advancements in alternative-fuel and low-carbon vessel technologies. Developed in-house by Jiangnan Shipyard, the VLAC concept combines ammonia-fuelled power generation, electrification and wind propulsion to enhance energy efficiency while supporting the maritime industry’s decarbonisation ambitions.
The vessel features a forward accommodation arrangement and a medium-voltage DC hybrid electric propulsion system integrating three power sources: ammonia-fuelled generators, an ammonia fuel cell system and containerised battery energy storage. This flexible architecture is designed to support operational efficiency while providing a platform that can accommodate future developments in maritime energy technologies.
To further reduce energy consumption, the design incorporates four foldable soft sails that provide supplementary wind-assisted propulsion. By combining alternative fuels, electrification and WAPS, the vessel is designed to optimise energy performance across a broad range of operating conditions.
The concept has been developed with long-term adaptability in view. Its flexible design offers the potential to integrate future technologies, including advanced battery systems, onboard photovoltaic power generation and next-generation fuel cell solutions, enabling the vessel to evolve alongside the industry’s energy transition.
As global demand grows for ammonia as both an energy commodity and a potential marine fuel, reliable and efficient transportation solutions will be critical to supporting emerging energy supply chains. The AiP is said to demonstrate the feasibility of the design concept and confirm its alignment with applicable safety, regulatory and classification requirements.
The project reflects industry efforts to develop innovative vessel designs capable of supporting the transport of low-carbon and alternative energy carriers. Through collaboration between ship designers, shipbuilders, classification societies and energy stakeholders, such initiatives are helping to accelerate the development of practical solutions for a more sustainable maritime industry.
Jeffrey Guo, BV SVP Asia Pacific, said: “The development of safe and efficient ammonia transportation solutions will be an important enabler of emerging low-carbon energy supply chains. We are pleased to grant approval in principle to Jiangnan Shipyard’s innovative VLAC design, which brings together ammonia-fuelled power, fuel cells, battery energy storage and wind propulsion in a highly integrated vessel concept. This project demonstrates how multiple technologies can work together to advance decarbonisation while maintaining strong standards of safety, efficiency and future readiness.”
Image: Presentation of AiP certificate for electric VLAC concept (source: Bureau Veritas)
