AiP granted for Type B fuel tank insulation

An approval in principle (AiP) has been issued by ClassNK for a spray form insulation system for IMO Type B fuel tanks intended for LNG and ammonia fuel.

ClassNK stated the spray form insulation system has been developed by Nihon Shipyard Co Ltd and Hankuk Carbon Co Ltd and the AiP certification “demonstrates its feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives”.

The system is designed for use with IMO Type B fuel tanks for LNG and ammonia applications.

According to ClassNK, IMO Type C tanks have been the mainstream choice for LNG fuel systems because of its advantages in productivity and cost.

For the larger fuel capacities required on large container ships and ammonia-fuelled vessels, IMO Type B tanks are gaining recognition as an alternative, with cargo efficiency and outfitting flexibility highlighted as benefits.

The newly approved insulation concept was positioned within this shift towards Type B arrangements for high-capacity fuel storage.

ClassNK reported it has carried out a safety review of the design concept and demonstration mock-up tests for the insulation system.

The review drew on part N and part GF of its Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, which incorporate the IGC Code and the IGF Code and it was after confirming compliance with the prescribed requirements in these rules, ClassNK issued the AiP.