ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a parcel layout concept for a hydrogen-fuelled multi-purpose vessel. It is the world’s first AiP for a ship equipped with a large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fuelled engine as the main propulsion engine.
The ship has been developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), MOL Drybulk, Onomichi Dockyard, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG).
According to the companies, demonstration operation of the vessel will be conducted for two years from around 2027 as part of the “Development of marine hydrogen engines and Marine Hydrogen Fuel System (MHFS)”, which was adopted by the Green Innovation Funding Program of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
Prior to this, J-ENG’s large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fuelled engine and Kawasaki’s MHFS will be installed in the vessel by 2026. MOL and MOL Drybulk will be in charge of ownership and operational management and Onomichi Dockyard will be in charge of the development and building of the vessel. They will cooperate toward the demonstration operation.
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Concept review
ClassNK carried out a review of a parcel layout concept for the MHFS based on its rules including its “Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships” incorporating the IGF Code and risk assessment results through Pre-HAZID. The latter is a risk assessment meeting held to review the parcel layout concept of the marine hydrogen fuel tank and the fuel supply system prior to the HAZID meeting that will be held for whole vessel in the project. Upon confirming everything complies with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP.
Picture: The hydrogen-fuelled multi-purpose vessel (D/W 17,500 M.T.) (courtesy of J-ENG).
Also read: MAN to investigate marine hydrogen engine concepts
