South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has secured approval in principle (AiP) from Norwegian classification society DNV for the basic design of ammonia fuel-ready very large crude carrier (VLCC).
The ammonia-ready notation reflects the fact that the ship’s hull structure, fuel tank specifications and risk assessment can be readily converted for operation on ammonia.
Samsung Heavy’s solution is expected to help shipping companies that are considering building or remodelling ammonia-fueled units.
“It is an important time for global shipbuilding and shipping industries to prepare for carbon neutrality,” SHI’s CTO Henry Chung said.
“We will make efforts to make eco-friendly technologies related to ammonia and fuel cells developed by Samsung Heavy Industries the center of paradigm changes in shipbuilding industry.”
The shipbuilder is working together with MISC Berhad, Lloyd’s Register (LR), MAN Energy Solutions, YARA, MPA Singapore and others on a project to develop an ammonia-fueled tanker to support shipping’s drive towards a decarbonized future. The coalition is known as Castor Initiative.
In September last year, LR awarded AiP to SHI for its ammonia-fueled tanker design, representing the first project milestone.
Samsung Heavy aims to commercialize the ammonia-powered A-Max crude oil carrier by 2024 by independently developing an ammonia fuel supply system and completing the detailed design.