Green light for MOL’s ammonia-powered tankers
In Japan, Offshore Energy reports Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Namura Shipbuilding, and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding received approval in principle from classification society ClassNK for a large ammonia-powered ammonia carrier design, marking a milestone in their joint development effort launched in 2021 to support ammonia’s anticipated role as a zero-carbon marine fuel and hydrogen carrier.
ClassNK’s approval followed a review of basic plans and a hazard identification study focused on ammonia toxicity, which MOL said was “evaluated as a top priority,” with “sufficient countermeasures…implemented in the design.” The vessel’s cargo tanks exceed the size of those in current very large gas and ammonia carriers, enabling higher capacity and low-emission transport. Designed for ammonia propulsion, it also meets operational restrictions at major Japanese power plants while aligning with existing infrastructure.
MOL and partners call it a “groundbreaking vessel.” The project emerges amid rising global interest in ammonia-fueled shipping; 27 ammonia-fueled vessel orders were placed in 2024 alone, including the first in non-gas segments, according to DNV. As ammonia gains momentum, regulators and operators are focusing on safety frameworks and crew training to manage its toxic properties during commercial operations.
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