DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Zhoushan Changhong International and CIMC ORIC for a new 21,700 TEU multi-fuel ready ultra-large container ship (ULCS) design developed in partnership with MSC.
The AiP is considered a significant milestone in advancing next-generation, zero-carbon mainline container shipping. The proposed 21,700 TEU design enables the shipyard to accommodate an owner’s varying preferences for alternative fuels. In addition to the widely-adopted LNG engines, different engine technologies, including the latest generation of ammonia-fuelled main engines are now available to be integrated into the design.
One major challenge is the tank system, as no combined solution exists for storing both LNG and ammonia in the required quantities. This challenge was addressed by developing an oversized, specialised Type C tank for ammonia, positioned between the commonly used type B/C or membrane LNG tank technologies.
The hull design, with a new vertical bow, optimised stern and hull lines, alongside low-resistance coatings, high-efficiency propellers, and energy-saving hydrodynamic features, targets improved fuel efficiency, with validation through CFD simulations and model tests.
Yin Xunbin, GM CIMC ORIC, said: “We are proud to have received an AiP for our 21,700 TEU multi-fuel container ship, with a special focus on the ammonia-fuelled variant. This allows us to offer owners a wider range of fuel options. Our special thanks go to MSC — with their extensive expertise in LNG dual-fuel vessels, we were able to develop key design elements for the ammonia dual-fuel version. This milestone validates our commitment to providing future-ready vessels that meet global trade demands while reducing emissions.”
Giuseppe Gargiulo, Head of Newbuildings, MSC, added: “We are pleased to support Zhoushan Changhong International, and CIMC ORIC with our extensive experience in LNG dual-fuel vessels as they expand their product portfolio to include a broader range of alternative fuels. Although LNG remains the most proven fuel for MSC to operate container ships at this time, the insights gained from this joint project will also help drive innovation for future efficient dual fuel powered container ships and allow MSC to follow future options and be open for other technologies.”
DNV’s classification experts reviewed the concept design against the relevant DNV and international standards, including the fuel system (tank and handling of different fuels), propulsion arrangement, and safety and mitigation systems (LNG and ammonia). The award of the AiP lays the groundwork for more detailed engineering studies and potentially commercial construction to DNV class rules.
Øyvind Pettersen, Head of Technical Centre China, DNV Maritime, said: “A modular design approach that accommodates customer preferences for different alternative fuels broadens the choices for the industry and could become a key factor in bringing more sustainable vessels to the market. LNG is currently the most widely adopted alternative fuel and is a very relevant pathway for reducing emissions. At the same time, new options like ammonia are very much in focus, and we have worked with Zhoushan Changhong International, and CIMC ORIC to give reliable planning certainty for these additional options, enabling potential clients to more easily compare their advantages and disadvantages. We congratulate Zhoushan Changhong International, and CIMC ORIC on winning the AiP, and are very proud to be the class partner on this project, which supports the industry’s drive toward sustainable shipping at scale.”
The design has been optimised for a high load-to-capacity ratio and efficient hold utilisation. In addition the twin-island deck layout and foredeck design allows additional 40ft container bays to increase cargo capacity while maintaining port and operational compatibility. As the project develops, the consortium is proceeding towards more detailed design and safety analyses (including ammonia mitigation and gas handling), and integration into the fuel system.
Image: Rendering of the new 21,700 TEU multi-fuel ready mega-boxship design (credit: CIMC ORIC)
