China: ClassNK AiP issued to SDARI for three vehicle carrier designs with alternative fuel propulsion

Classification society ClassNK on Wednesday (6 December) said it has issued Approvals in Principle (AiPs) for three vehicle carrier designs developed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) at Marintec China 2023.

The first AiP acknowledged an ammonia ready, LNG dual-fuel vehicle carrier with a capacity of 7,000 CEU, a significant first in China’s independently developed design. SDARI integrated the GTT MARK III Flex containment system for LNG and ammonia fuel storage to maximise the cargo capacity efficiently.

ClassNK also granted AiPs for both methanol dual-fuel and ammonia dual-fuel vehicle carriers, each with a capacity of 10,000 CEU, which is envisioned to lead the development of ultra-large vehicle carriers.

‘SDARI has created these three models exemplify the new generation of green vehicle carriers, adaptable to various alternative fuel options and catering to future market demands,” ClassNK said in a statement. 

“ClassNK has engaged in SDARI’s development projects, and carried out its review in accordance with the relevant standards, including its latest structural rules Part C and Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels.”

“Marking the AiPs as the milestone, ClassNK is committed to further providing expertise to assist the design firm’s initiative in expanding the industry’s pathway for the transition to decarbonisation.”

Photo credit: ClassNK
Published: 7 December, 2023