The Japanese classification society ClassNK has granted approval in principle for an ammonia FSRU.
The Ammonia Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) was jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding. [ds_preview]
Ammonia, which does not release CO2 during combustion, is expected to be widely used as a clean energy source for decarbonization, while the development of onshore facilities for storage and regasification is a challenge, ClassNK said.
Floating ammonia plants save costs
The FSRU is a floating plant for liquefied gases. It is equipped with storage tanks and a regasification unit that receives the liquefied gas on the water, vaporizes it and sends it ashore. The FSRU has the advantage for ClassNK that the costs are lower and the construction time shorter than for corresponding systems on land.
The Japanese class has approved the design of the ammonia FSRU based on Part N of the Rules for Survey and Construction of Steel Vessels for Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, the “Guidelines for Offshore Floating Facilities for LNG/LPG Production, Storage, Discharge and Regasification”. In addition, other relevant regulations were examined and a risk assessment was carried out, taking into account the results of the gas dispersion study. After ClassNK had confirmed that it met the prescribed requirements, it issued the Approval in Principle (AiP).
