MOL, partners win ClassNK’s AiP for parcel layout concept of hydrogen-powered ship

Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL), MOL Drybulk, Onomichi Dockyard, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Kawasaki), and Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) have been granted Approval in Principle (AiP) of parcel layout concept from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for hydrogen-powered multi-purpose vessel.

As explained, the companies conducted a risk assessment of the multi-purpose vessel powered by hydrogen, a zero-emission fuel.

The parcel layout concept encompasses the proposed layout of the liquefied hydrogen fuel tank and other hydrogen fuel-related equipment onboard and the design concept.

According to the partners, this is the world’s first AiP certification for a ship equipped with a low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fueled engine as the main propulsion engine.

The five companies held a Pre-HAZID meeting on June 28-29, 2023, together with ClassNK and the National Maritime Research Institute, National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology.

The parties completed the identification of the risks and issues to be considered in further design for the parcel layout concept of the liquefied hydrogen fuel tank and fuel supply system and confirmed that the design of the vessel can proceed further based on the current parcel layout.

MOL, MOL Drybulk, Onomichi Dockyard, Kawasaki and J-ENG hope that this will contribute to reducing GHG in the maritime industry and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through the demonstration operation of the vessel.

To remind, MOL has recently joined forces with K Line, NYK and JSE Ocean to establish a global liquefied hydrogen supply chain.

The companies will collaborate to explore the safety and efficient operation of the world’s first large-scale LH2 carrier by 2024, as well as develop a viable marine transportation business scheme, adding that the LH2 carrier will be powered by hydrogen, significantly reducing CO2 emissions during operation.