SIMIC

Michele Labrut | Apr 25, 2022

On 20 April 2022, the design received approval in principle (AIP) from the classification society ClassNK.

In the near term the 80,400-dwt ship would be operated by using LNG fuel. For the long-term aim toward zero CO2 emissions, there are two scenarios — in the first scenario, the ship is converted to ammonia fueled propulsion systems, in the second scenario, it will keep the systems but will switch its fuel from LNG to liquified carbon-neutral methane.

Related: Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding inks ammonia-ready bulkers with CMB

According to GSC, the ship is developed as a flexible and efficient solution to enduring the unpredictable period of fuel transition.

For LNG-fuel arrangement, the systems will be operated as dual-fuel LNG and HFO, and for ammonia fuel arrangement, they will be operated as dual-fueled NH3 and HFO. Both arrangements can keep the similar endurance and cargo capacity as the current panamax bulk carrier.

Related: WinGD engines to run on methanol and ammonia by 2024/25

In 2021, ClassNK published its “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels” to minimize the risks related to ammonia-fueled ships for the ships, crew, and environment by stipulating requirements for installation, controls, and safety devices. ClassNK subsequently issued AIP for the design of an ammonia-fueled panamax bulker developed by GSC in January 2022.