ClassNK has granted approval in principle (AiP) to Nihon Shipyard and Hankuk Carbon for their spray form insulation system designed for IMO Type B tanks intended for use with liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia fuel.
The certification confirmed the system’s regulatory and safety compliance after a review based on ClassNK’s rules, which include the IGC and IGF Codes.
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The AiP followed ClassNK’s assessment of both the design and results from a demonstration mock-up test of the spray form insulation system.
This approval process is conducted at the early design stage or prior to selecting a specific vessel and serves as evidence that the design meets applicable regulations and classification standards.
The AiP is also intended to streamline later regulatory reviews and can be used to demonstrate the technical status of the design.
The development comes as LNG and ammonia gain attention as alternative fuels in efforts to reduce emissions from shipping, according to the ship classification society.
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By GlobalDataClassNK noted that IMO Type C tanks have traditionally been favoured for LNG-fuelled ships due to their production simplicity and cost advantages.
However, there is a growing trend among larger container ships and ammonia-fuelled vessels to consider IMO Type B tanks, which offer greater cargo efficiency and more flexible installation options, said ClassNK.
Nihon Shipyard was established in 2021 through a joint investment by Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United, focusing on commercial ships and offshore floating structures except LNG carriers.
Hankuk Carbon, founded in South Korea in 1984, manufactures materials such as carbon fibre and glass fibre for various industries.
In July this year, ClassNK launched a new service called ClassNK Fleet Cost Simulation, supporting the maritime industry’s shift towards decarbonised fuels.
