American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted Seaspan Corporation and the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS), in collaboration with Foreship, an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design of a 15,000 TEU ammonia-powered container vessel.
This pioneering project aims to explore the potential of ammonia as a viable and sustainable alternative marine fuel, addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector.
Ammonia has emerged as a promising zero-carbon fuel option for the maritime industry due to its high energy density and ability to be produced from renewable energy sources. With zero emissions of carbon dioxide when combusted, ammonia can play a crucial role in the industry’s efforts to transition away from traditional fossil fuels.
Seaspan Corporation and MMMCZCS joined forces with ship designer Foreship and ABS, a leading classification society, to develop the concept design of the ammonia-fueled container vessel. The project involved an in-depth analysis of the safety, performance, and feasibility aspects of using ammonia as a marine fuel. Through collaborative efforts and expert knowledge, the consortium aimed to design a vessel that could effectively utilize ammonia and contribute to a cleaner maritime future.
While ammonia holds great potential, it presents specific safety and technology challenges that must be addressed to ensure its safe adoption at sea. The consortium acknowledges the importance of thorough safety case integration and is committed to leading the industry in supporting the safe implementation of ammonia as a marine fuel.
The project is linked to the Singapore Ammonia Bunkering Feasibility Study (SABRE) consortium, which focuses on developing and demonstrating an ammonia supply chain in Singapore. The vessel’s design considers its potential role as a receiver of ammonia fuel from bunker vessels currently under development in the SABRE project.
The successful AiP for the ammonia-fueled container vessel represents a tangible step towards decarbonizing the maritime industry. Collaborative efforts, research, and innovative design solutions are paving the way for the adoption of cleaner and sustainable fuels in the shipping sector.
The consortium’s work showcases the potential of ammonia as a future marine fuel, laying the groundwork for further advancements and commercialization. The next phase of the project will focus on shipyard readiness and the potential commercialization of the vessel design concept.
As the maritime industry strives to achieve ambitious emissions reduction targets, initiatives like the ammonia-fueled container vessel provide hope for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. With continued efforts and collaboration, the maritime industry is on the path to decarbonization, setting sail towards cleaner and greener seas.
