Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded approval in principle (AiP) to Oshima Shipbuilding for its multi-fuel-ready Ultramax bulk carrier design. The 64,000-DWT bulk carrier concept can accommodate multiple future fuel pathways, including ammonia, methanol and methane (LNG), alongside provision for onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS).
The AiP was formally presented at Oshima Shipbuilding’s headquarters in Japan on 23 January 2026.
Oshima’s multi-ready approach enables shipowners to defer final fuel decisions while safeguarding asset value and operational relevance over the vessel’s lifetime.
LR conducted a comprehensive technical review of the design in accordance with its ShipRight Risk Based Certification framework. This process assessed the safety, feasibility and integration of the proposed fuel and carbon capture arrangements, providing independent assurance that the concept can progress towards detailed design and potential construction.
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Future resilient solution
Sung-Gu Park, North East Asia President at LR: ‘The maritime industry is navigating a period of profound uncertainty as operators evaluate future fuel pathways, infrastructure development, and evolving global regulatory expectations. Oshima’s approach, embedding flexibility for ammonia, methanol, LNG, and onboard carbon capture from the outset, provides shipowners with a practical and future resilient solution as they plan their decarbonisation strategies.’
‘We are honored to receive this approval from Lloyd’s Register for our multi-ready vessel concept,’ adds Dr Junichi Man, Managing Director of Oshima Shipbuilding. ‘As future fuel options diversify and global regulations continue to evolve, flexibility is becoming increasingly important for shipowners. By enabling compatibility with ammonia, methanol, LNG, and onboard CO2 capture systems, our concept offers a practical and future-ready solution.’
Picture: The 64,000-DWT bulk carrier concept can accommodate multiple future fuel pathways, including ammonia, methanol and methane (LNG) (image by LR/Oshima Shipbuilding).
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