NYK accomplished the first development path of ammonia-fuel ready LNG-fueled vessel

NYK has accomplished its first step of developing the concept design for an ammonia-fuel ready LNG-fueled vessel (ARLFV) for the transition to a future marine fuel, with the support from its partner Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) and engineering firm Elomatic Oy.

On September 9 last year, the group carried out conceptual design development work, converting from an LNG-fueled vessel to an ammonia-fueled vessel. The plan was set from September 2021 and January 2022 to identify and explore the challenges faced in the actual design and construction of ARLFV.

This conceptual design aligns with the long-term target of reducing GHG (greenhouse gases) emissions from NYK. Toshi Nakamura, an NYK executive officer, talked about the supply of ammonia as a means of realizing a carbon-free future.

Last year, NYK released the ‘NYK Group ESG Story‘. This is a guideline that aims to further integrate ESG into the company’s management strategy.

A concept design considers the specifications of a ship from an operation aspect, including factors such as load capacity, voyage distance, ship speed, fuel capacity, etc.

When an ARLFV is ordered from a shipbuilder in the future, this concept design can then be used.

ARLFV concept design

During Phase 1 from September 2021 to the end of February 2022, the partners designed an ARLFV to perform the functions of a pure car carrier and a post-panamax bulker.

They mainly addressed the below issues, designed the concept, and determining issues that are not yet technically feasible.

• Material of the tank to be loaded
• Placement of additional tanks for ammonia, which has a larger volume than LNG
• Hull structure strength and stability due to the addition of tanks
• A device that supplies ammonia to the main engine
• Confirmation of rules such as ship classification rules for safe use of ammonia fuel, etc.

The next steps

During Phase 1.5, which will continue until June 2022, the partners will design a similar concept for a Capesize bulk carrier and a very large crude oil carrier.

Furthermore, until the end of 2022 in Phase 2, they will proceed with the actual design of an ARLFV with a shipyard and marine manufacturers, reflecting the results obtained in the concept design, such as the optimal fuel-tank layout, ammonia-fuel supply device, and structural strength of the hull.

“This project will be completed when the actual ship design is completed, Afterward, we will propose to customers and business partners a transportation service that can transition trouble-free from an LNG-fueled vessel to an ammonia-fueled vessel through use of an ARLFV,” the partners said.

“We plan to offer customers ARLFV contracts in 2023 and aim to complete building the first ARLFVs in 2025.”

Source Offshore-energy