A new 114,000-DWT product and crude oil tri-fuel tanker designed to accommodate future conversion to LNG, methanol or ammonia has secured approval in principle (AiP). It concerns a project of Lloyd’s Register (LR) and the Marine Design and Research Institute of China (MARIC).
Announced at SMM 2026, the concept addresses one of the biggest investment challenges facing shipping today: the need to develop vessels and capabilities that can support a range of alternative fuel options and pathways as technologies, infrastructure and regulations evolve.
While LNG is already a mature fuel pathway, methanol and ammonia remain at an earlier stage of development. Questions around global fuel availability, infrastructure development, economics and long-term adoption remain.
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Tri-fuel tanker
The 114,000-DWT tri-fuel tanker concept has been designed as a product and crude oil carrier that can accommodate future conversion to LNG, methanol or ammonia as technologies, regulations and fuel supply chains mature. By incorporating conversion readiness at the design stage, the concept aims to reduce future retrofit complexity. At the same time, it provides owners with greater confidence when planning long-term fleet investments.
The design concept was reviewed against LR’s July 2026 class rules and regulations, including requirements relating to ships using gases and other low-flashpoint fuels, alongside relevant IACS Common Structural Rules for oil tankers. Final classification and statutory approval remain subject to full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.
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Not locked into single fuel strategy
Theo Kourmpelis, Global Business Director for Tankers, LR: ‘Shipowners are being asked to make major investment decisions today despite continued uncertainty around which fuels will dominate in the decades ahead. Alternative fuel solutions each offer potential pathways to compliance, but fuel infrastructure, regulation and economics continue to evolve at different speeds around the world. Designs that preserve flexibility will be critical in helping owners manage risk while preparing for multiple future scenarios.’
‘This tri-fuel tanker concept was developed specifically to provide greater fuel flexibility and long-term resilience, allowing owners to respond to changing market requirements without being locked into a single fuel strategy,’ adds Si Nan, Marine & Offshore Marketing Department Vice Director, MARIC. ‘Receiving approval in principle from Lloyd’s Register is an important milestone that validates the design concept and supports its future development.’
Picture: From left to right: Si Nan, Marine & Offshore Marketing Department Vice Director, MARIC; Ci Hongen, Vice Chief Engineer of Merchant Ship Dept., MARIC; Zhang Chao, Director of Merchant Ship Department, MARIC; Anthi Miliou, Senior Vice President Global Commercial, LR; and Sherry Li, Global Head of New Construction, LR (photo LR).
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