Freedom of choice: Ultramax bulk carrier concept accommodates multiple fuel pathways

When it comes to selecting an alternative fuel pathway to reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, dry bulk carrier owners don’t have any easy choices because they often operate in tramp services, with no fixed schedules or predefined ports. But a new Ultramax bulk carrier design concept from Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding may offer a potential solution.

A multi-fuel-ready 64,000-dwt bulk carrier concept from the Japanese shipbuilder can accommodate multiple future fuel pathways, including ammonia, methanol and LNG, as well as onboard carbon capture and storage.

Class society Lloyd’s Register (LR) awarded approval in principle to Oshima Shipbuilding for the concept at the shipbuilder’s headquarters in Japan on 23 January.

The concept would allow shipowners to defer final fuel decisions on a fuel pathway 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.

Oshima Shipbuilding managing director, Junichi Man, said, “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.”