Samsung’s gets DNV AiP for ammonia-ready VLCC

Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries has obtained AIP (Approval In Principle) certification for the basic design of ‘VLCC for Ammonia fuel Ready’ from classification society DNV.

The ammonia-ready notation reflects the fact that the ship’s hull structure, fuel tank specifications and risk assessment can be readily converted for operation on ammonia.

With this classification approval, Samsung Heavy Industries said it is speeding up its commercialisation of ammonia by providing effective solutions to shipping companies who are considering building or remodelling ammonia-fuelled ships.

“We are very happy to work with SHI in this innovative ‘Fuel Ready’ VLCC concept,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime. “DNV has been pioneering the research and development of viable future marine fuels, including ammonia. As a trusted voice to tackle global transformations, our role is to support the industry in bringing new low-carbon ship designs to life in a safe and sustainable manner.”

The AiP incorporates the attributes S (structure) and Ti (tank installed). A high-level verification of ammonia applicability for the C-tanks installed onboard the VLCC was also performed. At the time of newbuild, the vessel will still be subject to a full review of documentation requirements pertaining to the applied rules.

Since July 2019, Samsung Heavy Industries has been conducting joint research on ammonia-fuelled ships under the so-called Castor Initiative with global partners including Malaysian shipping company MISC, MAN Energy Solutions, Norwegian ammonia supplier Yara and the Singapore Port Authority. It has already received AIP certification for the basic design of the ammonia fuel-propelled Aframax class crude oil carrier.

Samsung Heavy Industries aims to commercialise an ammonia fuel propulsion ship by 2024 by independently developing an ammonia fuel supply system and completing detailed design. Ho-Hyeon Jeong, head of Samsung Heavy Industries’ technology development division, said, “The current global shipbuilding and shipping market is an important time to prepare for carbon neutrality. We will focus on research and development so that eco-friendly technologies such as ammonia and fuel cells developed by SHI can play a central role in paradigm changes.”