AiP for ammonia-fuelled PCC
Illustration of the ammonia-fuelled car carrier (Source: ClassNK)
Classification society ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) and Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co Ltd for their jointly developed design of an ammonia-fuelled pure care carrier (PCC).
Ammonia is expected to be used as decarbonised fuel for ships since it does not emit CO2 when burned, however, taking adequate safety measures are impartial due to its characteristics of being toxic to humans and corrosive against materials. While international standards for using ammonia as ship fuel are yet to be developed, ClassNK published its “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels” in August 2021 to minimise the risks related to ammonia-fuelled ships for the ships, crew, and environment by stipulating requirements for installation, controls, and safety devices.
For challenges related to toxicity when using ammonia as ship fuel, ClassNK, along with “K” Line and Shin Kurushima Dockyard, has assessed and investigated the safety measures against the potential leakage risks of ammonia. Incorporating the knowledge based on the investigation, “K” Line and Shin Kurushima Dockyard have developed a design for an ammonia-fuelled PCC. ClassNK has carried out the design review in line its guidelines and issued the AiP upon confirming that the design meets the requirements.
