Ammonia-powered vessel on the horizon
K Line has revealed that it has teamed up with the Itochu Corporation, the Nihon Shipyard Co, the Mitsui E&S Machinery Co and NS United Kaiun Kaisha and together they have obtained approval in principle from the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai classification society to design an ammonia-fuelled 200,000 dwt bulk carrier.
The vessel was developed by Nihon Shipyard as the part of an integrated project for the development and social implementation of ammonia-fuelled ships.
There are currently no international guidelines for the use of ammonia as marine fuel, so K Line and partners are seeking to obtain alternative design approval to build the vessel. A risk assessment / hazard identification study was recently conducted to assess how safe it is to use ammonia as a marine fuel.
The group aims to take delivery of the vessel in 2026. (sh)