DNV has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) for a Type B tank and multi-fuel containment system design for ships capable of using LNG, methanol or ammonia.
The system is said to change the decarbonisation roadmap for Brazilian mining company Vale and has been developed in a joint industry project (JIP) together with DNV, Norwegian ship designer Brevik Engineering and cryogenic insulation solutions provider Passer Marine.
Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale Shipping Technical Manager, said: “The multi-fuel tank system removes some of the main barriers to the adoption of alternative fuels, which include regulatory and infrastructure uncertainty in defining the optimal fuel. Our fleet is comprised of a large portion of young very large iron ore carriers, and futureproofing must be at the core of our decision making. This technology provides each vessel the flexibility for whichever fuel is best suited for their trade. We are very excited to receive DNV’s AiP and what it means for the future. We are in the process of developing a pilot project to implement the system on one of our existing Guaibamax vessels and look forward to taking the next step with the design.”
Fuel choice is one of the most challenging factors shipowners face amid increasing pressure to decarbonise. The flexibility provided by the new system means vessels that Vale charters in future could be adapted to store and consume several different types of fuel. The AiP marks a breakthrough given the system’s potential to improve the decision-making landscape.
Morten Løvstad, VP and Segment Director Bulk Carriers, DNV Maritime, said: “Low-carbon fuels will come at a premium and, given the significant investment necessary to achieve net-zero and the complexity of fuel choice, the drive to leave options open for as long as possible is understandable. The multi-fuel tank will allow Vale to mindfully move towards reducing their carbon footprint, while also keeping their options open.”
DNV is continuing a long-lasting partnership with Vale in support of its various decarbonisation initiatives. DNV has long advocated that decarbonisation is a shared responsibility and that the industry can accelerate the transition by cooperatively sharing knowledge, technologies and experience. industry stakeholders with different expertise need to join forces to generate the best opportunities for innovation
Løvstad added: “Charting the pathway to decarbonization is likely the greatest challenge the industry will face in our lifetime, and collaboration is essential in facing it. This JIP successfully yielded an innovative solution the market needs. It is the kind of collaboration that creates opportunities and propels the industry to create the necessary step-change.”
AiP confirms that a concept design is feasible and that no significant obstacles exist to prevent it from being realized. DNV’s assessment of the Vale system found it to be compliant with all the applicable Ship Rules and Regulations. The multi-fuel tank system is part of Vale’s Ecoshipping Programme designed to reduce the company’s carbon emissions through the adoption of new technologies. VALE sees this technology being applicable to future vessels, but also as having the capability to be deployed on existing ships.
