The classification society DNV has granted the shipping company MSC and partners from China approval for a new ship design.
The shipping company MSC, together with Chinese partners, has presented a concept for a new container ship that is to be operated with ammonia. The classification society DNV issued the Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design at Marintec in Shanghai.
The consortium consists of MSC, the shipyard Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard and the design company CIMC ORIC. An “ultra-large” container ship with a capacity of 21,700 TEU is planned. It is to be equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system and is primarily designed to run on the alternative fuel ammonia (NH3).
According to DNV, the planned ship will integrate the latest generation of ammonia dual-fuel engines and oversized type C ammonia tanks. The hull design with a new, vertical bow, optimized stern and hull lines as well as low-friction coatings, highly efficient propellers and energy-saving hydrodynamic features are aimed at improving fuel efficiency. DNV was able to confirm this through CFD simulations and model tests.
“We are proud that our 21,700 TEU ammonia dual-fuel vessel concept has been awarded the AiP by DNV,” said Yin Xunbin, Managing Director of CIMC ORIC. “This vessel concept offers shipowners the opportunity to realize a high-capacity, energy-efficient and carbon-neutral container ship as part of the next generation of sustainable global liner services. This milestone confirms our commitment to future-proof ships that meet the demands of global trade while reducing emissions.”
DNV’s classification experts have reviewed the concept design against the relevant DNV and international standards, including the fuel system (ammonia tank and handling), the powertrain and the ammonia safety and emission control systems. The award of the AiP paves the way for more detailed technical studies and potentially commercial construction under DNV classification rules.
“We expect the first deliveries shortly”
Norbert Kray, DNV’s Senior Vice President and Maritime Regional Manager for the China region, added: “Ammonia-based dual-fuel options play a crucial role in decarbonization. We have successfully moved from the concept phase to orders and expect the first deliveries soon. At DNV, we have continuously developed our rules and standards to enable these new technologies, as well as providing guidance and practical decision support. The AiP certification demonstrates that the design meets industry-leading safety and construction standards and reinforces confidence in ammonia as a viable fuel for large container ships. We congratulate MSC, Zhoushan Changhong International and CIMC ORIC and are very proud to be a classification partner in this project that supports the industry’s drive towards large-scale sustainable shipping.”
The design has been optimized for a high cargo capacity to hold capacity ratio and efficient use of cargo space. In addition, the layout of the two island decks and the design of the foredeck allows for additional 40-foot container bays to increase cargo capacity while ensuring compatibility with port and operations. As part of the project development, the consortium is working on more detailed design and safety analyses (including ammonia minimization and gas handling) as well as integration into the fuel system.
