NYK of Japan has ordered its third liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dual-fuel very large LPG / liquefied ammonia gas (NH3) carrier (VLGC) from Kawasaki Heavy Industries Sakaide Works, for scheduled delivery in 2024.
Like the first two NYK-ordered LPG dual-fuel very large LPG / NH3 carriers, the vessel will be equipped with separate cargo tanks of 86,700m3 total capacity designed to carry LPG and ammonia at the same time to flexibly respond to various trade patterns. Ammonia is attracting attention not only as a raw material for chemicals and fertilisers but also as a future zero-emission fuel that does not emit CO2 when burned.
Furthermore, in addition to the LPG dual-fuel engine, the 230m long ship will have a shaft generator that can generate electricity during the voyage by using the rotation of the shaft that connects the main engine to the propeller. Since the diesel generator can be stopped during normal seagoing transit, realising full navigation with LPG fuel will be possible except for the use of a small amount of pilot fuel. When LPG is used as fuel, exhaust gas from the VLGC will contain at least 95% less SOx and 20% less CO2 compared to NYK’s conventional VLGCs using HFO-fired engines. This new VLGC will comply not only with the SOx Global Cap regulations but also with the EEDI phase 3 requirements.
Moreover, the vessel is expected to be given notations by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) as a VLGC that has a preparatory design in accordance with the guidelines issued by ClassNK so that this vessel may use ammonia fuel in the future.
