Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) have signed a joint development project (JDP) for the design of the world’s largest VLAC (Very Large Ammonia Carrier) with a carrying capacity of 100,000 cbm.
The vessel will feature an independent IMO type B tank for the safe storage of ammonia which is expected to optimise the vessel’s operational efficiency.
The design was assessed according to LR’s Structural Design Assessment & prescriptive analysis and, as part of the JDP, LR provided GSI with its support as a trusted adviser during discussions about ammonia fuel applications and future gas ship developments, building upon this unique vessel design.
Nick Brown, Lloyd’s Register CEO, said: “LR is proud to work with GSI on this historic design for the world’s largest ammonia carrier. As major economies look to co-fire Ammonia in their coal power stations to reduce the CO2 footprint of their national energy mix, shipping will play a key role in distributing clean hydrogen-based commodities such as ammonia, thereby supporting nations to meet their Paris Agreement commitments.
Chen Ji, Chairman of GSI, said: “GSI has a good reputation in the market for innovation and a strong R&D ability to develop different kinds of vessels. The 100,000 cbm VLAC design was developed with input from of our long-term partners and an ammonia producer. Thanks to the trust extended by all parties, especially the support from LR, GSI has developed the largest VLAC design in the world.”
China’s shipbuilding industry has already made important breakthroughs in VLAC market and has received orders before.
In May 2023, Jiangnan Shipbuilding signed a contract with Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) of Singapore for the construction of four 93,000 m³ VLACs, which was the first VLAC order for the shipyard.Four months later, EPS announced an additional order for two more 93,000 m³ VLACs from Jiangnan Shipbuilding.
Recently, there is also news that ADNOC L&S, the shipping and maritime logistics subsidiary of UAE energy giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has ordered 2+2 93,000m3 LPG dual-fuel VLACs from Jiangnan Shipbuilding through AW Shipping, a joint venture between ADNOC and Wanhua Chemical, but this has not yet been confirmed by both parties.
Currently, green ammonia is recognized as one of the most promising alternative fuels for achieving the goal of zero-carbon shipping. As the demand for ammonia fuel is expected to expand, the demand for long-distance transportation vessels with stable supply of liquid ammonia will also increase. With this background, it is expected that Chinese shipbuilders will seize this market opportunity, make more breakthrough achievements in the field of VLAC carriers, and increase the market share of VLAC.
