New ammonia-fueled container ship designs approved
By on November 20, 2024
LR and Hyundai: AiP for ultra-large vessel
Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded approval in principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HHI) design of a 15,300 TEU ammonia powered dual-fuel ultra large container ship (ULCS).
The 365-metre twin skeg vessel features two commercially available small bore engines. The design also includes fuel tanks situated ahead of the engine room and away from the deckhouse, allowing for a safer fuel supply and improved crew safety.
According to LR, this is “the first design to offer ammonia-powered dual fuel engines for the ULCS” size range. This may open ammonia dual fuel ULCSs for wider adoption, as shippers have been hitherto hesitant due to the unavailability of large bore ammonia engine technology.
The project will now assess the feasibility of ammonia fuel tanks constructed with low temperature steel, and evaluate the ship’s structural integrity against sloshing cargo. The gas supply system will also be reviewed to ensure safety and ammonia compatibility.
Hyundai also completed class approval testing for its HiMSEN ammonia-fuelled engine in October this year. The new design, with target applications including marine propulsion, onboard power generation and on-land power generation, is set to be commercialised soon.
Leveraging our collective expertise and using LR’s extensive experience in certifying ammonia powered designs, this project demonstrates our commitment to supporting the energy transition in the maritime industry.
Young-Doo Kim, GTSO Representative for Korea, Lloyd’s Register, in his organisation’s official press release, 30 October 2024
We are pleased to continue our strong working relationship with LR to develop and test the feasibility of an ammonia dual-fuel containership. With the urgent need for sustainable fuel solutions in the maritime industry, this project seeks to deepen the understanding of ammonia as a marine fuel, setting the stage for future shipbuilding endeavours.
Seung-ho Jeon, Head of Shipping Technology Division at HHI, in Lloyd Register’s official press release, 30 October 2024
Panamax vessel receives AiP in China
Click to learn more. The new ammonia-powered, dual fuel container ship by CSSC Huangpu received approval in principle from the Chinese Classification Society. Source: CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited.
Two new vessel designs by the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited have been awarded AiP by the Chinese Classification Society (CCS). The two include the Honghu, a 3,500 TEU ammonia dual fuel container ship, and the Haijing, a 82,000 ton capacity methanol bulk carrier. The AiP was presented at a conference on independent ship types held by the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited in Pudong, Shanghai last month.
According to CCS, among other favourable features, the new Honghu ammonia-powered vessel has low fuel consumption, using “about 10% lower than similar ships in the market”, and large loading capacity. Similarly, the methanol-powered Haijing can be fitted with a range of energy efficient features including gas layer drag reduction, shaft-mounted generators, wind assisted rotors, as well as alternative fuel design solutions.