Classification society RINA has issued an approval-in-principle (AiP) for the design of a 21,000-m3 ammonia bunker tanker jointly developed by SeaTech Solutions and Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers Singapore, a subsidiary of the Fratelli Cosulich Group
The AiP certificate was presented to SeaTech Solutions at Sea Asia Exhibition 2023, held 25-27 April in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
The event was followed by a session where representatives of the three companies shared information on the project development, its safety and upstream considerations, regulatory requirements, opportunities and challenges.
The AiP is a milestone for the joint development project initiated in November 2021 and the certification was carried out in compliance with the process described in the RINA Guide for Approval in Principle of Novel Technologies, based on the technical criteria of the RINA Rules for the Classification of Ships (2023), IGF Code and IGC Code.
Ammonia is widely seen as a viable path to help Singapore and the wider shipping industry’s efforts towards decarbonisation and, as more ammonia-ready newbuild orders are being placed, more bunker tankers will be needed to supplement these vessels.
There are several new ammonia bunkering initiatives, and Lloyd’s Register has recently awarded an AiP to Hyundai Heavy Industries for an ammonia FSRU design.
RINA marine Asia senior director Simone Manca said, “Ammonia offers potential for the decarbonisation of the marine sector, and this AiP brings the practicality of its use as an alternative fuel a step closer.”
“We are delighted to support this innovation. RINA will continue to follow technological and regulatory developments to meet the needs and expectations of the shipping industry and to promote all possible pathways to net zero.”
Fratelli Cosulich head of business development Guido Cardullo said, "Fratelli Cosulich is committed to playing a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry by facilitating the adoption of low-carbon or carbon-free alternatives fuels, such as green ammonia, which has received much attention recently due to its established production technology, distribution infrastructure and satisfactory energy density as a marine fuel.”
SeaTech vice president technology Prabjot Singh Chopra said, “Embracing the multiple pathways to maritime decarbonisation creates new opportunities in the bunkering industry. Despite the challenges of designing an ammonia bunker vessel amidst evolving technology and regulations, we appreciate the invaluable operational insights shared by the Fratelli Cosulich team and the expert guidance provided by RINA Class.”
“The AiP for the innovative and cost-effective design is a significant achievement in advancing the safety of ammonia bunkering in Singapore, marking a new milestone in the journey to decarbonisation.”
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