LR approves ammonia gas carrier design

LR conducted a comprehensive design evaluation and safety assessment, ensuring the designs meet international regulations and LR’s own standards.

“We are proud to have played a pivotal role in this collaborative project,” said Panos Mitrou, LR’s global gas segment director.

“It demonstrates our commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s energy transition efforts by offering exceptional technical expertise, rigorous safety evaluations and regulatory leadership.”

This milestone is being hailed as a key step in expanding the use of low-carbon fuels beyond specialised vessels, with Trafigura becoming one of the first operators to adopt this technology commercially on MGCs.

The Singapore-based commodity trading company signed a contract with HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) in 2024 to build four 45,000 cubic metre carriers, featuring WinGD ammonia dual-fuel engines and Alfa Laval’s ammonia release mitigation system. These vessels will be used to transport liquefied petroleum gas and ammonia.

The ships will be constructed at HMD’s South Korean shipyard, with delivery slated for 2028. The ammonia they carry can also aid in the decarbonisation of various heavy industries.

Trafigura’s global head of shipping, Andrea Olivi, highlighted the importance of supportive regulations in achieving this critical milestone. “If we are to decarbonise freight and increase the demand for zero-carbon fuels across the world, we need the IMO to implement regulations including EU ETS and Fuel EU maritime on a global scale,” said Olivi.

“The IMO needs to introduce a simple and transparent policy framework including, in our view, a global fuel standard combined with a straightforward levy applied equally across the board.”