AiP granted for ammonia-ready VLGC

The conceptual design of an LPG-powered VLGC enabling future conversion to ammonia fuel was developed based on Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s experience in the construction and delivery of more than 80 very large LPG carriers and multi-purpose gas carriers capable of carrying ammonia.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s newest VLGCs, in addition to using LPG fuel as an alternative to the conventional heavy fuel oil, can also transport ammonia as cargo. As such, the company’s VLGCs are highly suited to using ammonia fuel in the future.

The design will mean that relatively small-scale ship retrofitting will be required when use of ammonia fuel becomes a viable option.

In April 2022, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding completed a conceptual study for the design of an ammonia/liquefied CO2 Carrier capable of transporting both ammonia and liquefied CO2. The study was conducted with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and the vessel is designed to carry ammonia on its outward journey, and LCO2 on the return trip. Specific carriers for each material normally run empty on their return voyage, so a ship able to handle both substances would increase operational efficiency.

Ammonia is expected to be used as ship fuel for decarbonization since it does not emit CO2 when burned, but safety measures are imperative due to its toxicity and corrosiveness, and ClassNK has worked on development of standards and certification. In 2021, ClassNK published its “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels” to minimize the risks related to ammonia-fuelled ships for the ships, crew, and environment by stipulating requirements for installation, controls, and safety devices.