ClassNK has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) for a novel ammonia fuel supply system designed by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to be employed in oil tankers and container ships.
Ammonia has garnered attention as a potential ship fuel for decarbonization efforts due to its lack of CO2 emissions upon combustion. However, ensuring stringent safety precautions is crucial due to ammonia’s toxic nature to humans and its corrosive properties towards materials.
In the pursuit of zero-emission ships powered by ammonia fuel, ClassNK has actively participated in safety assessments. To address the inherent risks associated with ammonia-fueled vessels, the organization formulated the “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels” as a vital framework. These guidelines lay down stipulations for installation, controls, and safety mechanisms to safeguard ships, crew members, and the environment.
ClassNK meticulously reviewed the conceptual design of SHI’s ammonia fuel supply system in accordance with the guidelines’ Part C. After confirming the adherence to prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the Approval in Principle (AiP).
An Approval in Principle (AiP) is granted at the initial stage of design, prior to the definitive selection of the target ship for implementation. It involves a comprehensive examination of the design’s alignment with existing international conventions and ship classification regulations. AiP serves as evidence of conformity to regulations, streamlining subsequent regulatory processes and reducing the time needed for classification registration. Furthermore, it can serve as a foundational basis for an external review of the design’s status.
