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ClassNK releases guidelines for ships using alternative fuels
Japanese classification society ClassNK has released Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels as part of its efforts to support the industry’s efforts for the transition to zero emissions in shipping
Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels updates safety requirements for ships using ammonia as fuel from previously issued Guidelines for Ships Using Low-Flashpoint Fuels covering LPG, methanol and ethanol and provides comprehensive information on requirements for alternative fuels for ships.
Ammonia is seen as a leading zero-carbon fuel with a range of new projects including the first ammonia-ready tanker under construction, conversion of the first ammonia fuel-cell-powered offshore support vessel planned and development of the first ammonia dual-fuel, two-stroke engine underway.
But the compound’s toxicity and corrosiveness to materials means safety measures are essential and specific international standards for the use of ammonia as a marine fuel are yet to be established.
ClassNK has described the requirements for installation, controls, and safety devices of an ammonia-fuelled ship to minimise risks for the ship, crew and the environment, and added it to the guidelines.
In addition, ClassNK has revised the existing LNG Ready notation to Alternative Fuel Ready, and outlined the requirements for the new notation indicating that a ship is designed and partially equipped for future use of alternative fuels.
ClassNK said, “The guidelines reflect the current technology trend and will be updated regularly along with developments of new technologies and research.”
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