MOL's design for a new ammonia-fueled liquid ammonia carrier has been approved by a classification society.

On March 14, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that a large ammonia-fueled liquid ammonia carrier jointly developed with Namura Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has received an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate from ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai).

The three partners launched the joint development in 2021 to meet the growing demand for ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel and hydrogen carrier. The new vessel's design features a larger cargo capacity than Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) and Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs), achieving not only low-emission transport but also increased cargo capacity. Furthermore, the use of ammonia as fuel further reduces carbon emissions.

The vessel design complies with the port entry restrictions of major power plants in Japan. Simultaneously, concerning cargo handling with power plants and ammonia supply terminals, it essentially maintains consistency with the existing VLGC Specification, representing a groundbreaking innovation.

Before issuing the certificate, ClassNK reviewed the basic design drawings and the results of the Hazard Identification study (HAZID), incorporating the evaluation results into the basic design to ensure the completion of the detailed design. MOL emphasized that the HAZID study paid particular attention to the toxicity and safety issues of ammonia, and the design incorporated adequate countermeasures.

It is understood that MOL, Namura Shipbuilding, and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding signed a joint development agreement for a large ammonia-fueled liquid ammonia carrier in November 2021. According to the agreement, the three companies jointly developed the basic design of the liquid ammonia carrier. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding was responsible for researching the optimal cargo hold and trial design, development of deck cargo holds, engine configuration research, design of fuel supply equipment, design of special outfitting and cargo handling equipment, and design of safety equipment.

MOL is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and will continue to promote the realization of a decarbonized and low-carbon society in accordance with the guidelines of the "BLUE ACTION 2035" business plan and the "Environmental Vision 2.2" plan. In addition to introducing clean alternative fuels, the company will also work to build a clean energy supply infrastructure to support the development of a sustainable society.

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