LR, GSI partner up on ‘world’s largest’ ammonia carrier

UK class society Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Chinese shipbuilder Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) have signed a joint development project (JDP) for the design of the world’s largest very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) with a carrying capacity of 100,000 cbm.

The JDP was unveiled at the Posidonia 2024 taking place in Athens this week.

As informed, the vessel will feature an independent IMO type B tank for the safe storage of ammonia which is expected to optimize the vessel’s operational efficiency.

The design was assessed according to LR’s Structural Design Assessment & prescriptive analysis and, as part of the JDP, LR provided GSI with its support as a trusted adviser during discussions about ammonia fuel applications and future gas ship developments, building upon this unique vessel design.

“LR is proud to work with GSI on this historic design for the world’s largest ammonia carrier. As major economies look to co-fire Ammonia in their coal power stations to reduce the CO2 footprint of their national energy mix, shipping will play a key role in distributing clean hydrogen-based commodities such as ammonia, thereby supporting nations to meet their Paris Agreement commitments,” Nick Brown, Lloyd’s Register CEO, commented.

“GSI has a good reputation in the market for innovation and a strong R&D ability to develop different kinds of vessels. The 100,000 cbm VLAC design was developed with input from of our long-term partners and an ammonia producer. Thanks to the trust extended by all parties, especially the support from LR, GSI has developed the largest VLAC design in the world,” Chen Ji, Chairman of GSI, said.

In other news, shipping company Capital Product Partners decided to invest $756 million in ten LCO2 and LPG/ammonia carriers. The ships, scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027, will be built in China and South Korea.