ClassNK issues AiP for ammonia storage and regasification barge
ClassNK has awarded the world’s first Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia floating storage and regasification barge (A-FSRB). The barge has been developed jointly by NYK Line, Nihon Shipyard, and IHI.
Ammonia as a source of green power is one of the front-runners in sustainable energy for the future but, like LNG, the development of shore-based storage and regasification plant is a much greater challenge than floating facilities offshore. The three companies declared that the A-FSRB is faster to build and cheaper than shore-based plant and could help hasten the adoption of ammonia as a next-generation energy source.
There are currently no international regulations for floating storage and regasification facilities relating to ammonia. ClassNK therefore undertook the design review in line with its Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships and Guidelines for Floating Offshore Facilities for LNG/LPG Production, Storage, Offloading and Regasification. The classification society also worked closely with the three developers to carry out a comprehensive risk identification process using a gap analysis approach.