Tokyo-based classification society ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai) has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to a 98,000 dwt Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-fueled bulk carrier design developed by Maritime Innovation Japan Corporation (MIJAC). The vessel will be fitted with a 2,000 m3 capacity LNG tank (IMO Type B) and an LNG fuel supply system. The main engine and main generator engines will all operate on dual fuel.
Utilizing its knowledge and experience in R&D for LNG-fueled vessels, ClassNK carried out the safety evaluation of the vessel and approved the concept design based on the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), which will come into effect from 1 January 2017, and ClassNK’s Guidelines for Gas Fueled Ships.
Compared with diesel fuel, natural gas is a clean energy source that emits less carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gases (GHG), and no sulfur oxides (SOx). It is expected that the future use of natural gas as a ship’s fuel will continue to increase.
Through granting AIP to this LNG-fueled bulk carrier, ClassNK says it is contributing to the spread of environmentally friendly shipping practices.
In it’s separate press release, MIJAC says that on the basis of the knowledge and know-how gained through the development of this LNG fuel bulk carrier, it will continue to contribute to the spread and development of LNG fuel vessels.
(Source: ClassNK)
