Japan consortium gets ClassNK approval in principle for hydrogen-fuel ship

A consortium of Japanese companies has secured Approval in Principle (AiP) for the parcel layout concept of a hydrogen-fuel ship from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, or ClassNK, the companies said Oct. 19, marking a step forward for a pilot operation from around fiscal year 2027-28 (April-March).

It follows a risk assessment by five companies -- Mitsui O.S.K Lines, MOL Drybulk, Onomichi Dockyard, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Engine Corporation -- of a multi-purpose ship fueled by hydrogen, the companies said.

The companies added that this marked the world's first AiP certification for a ship equipped with a low speed two-stroke hydrogen-fueled engine as the main propulsion engine.

As part of the pilot project adopted by the state-owned New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization's Green Innovation fund, the consortium will conduct demonstrative operations of the ship for two years from FY 2027-28, during when it will develop the marine hydrogen fuel engine and marine hydrogen fuel tank and fuel supply system.

By FY 2026-27, Japan Engine's low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fueled engine and Kawasaki's Marine Hydrogen Fuel System will be installed on the ship, which will be developed and built by Onomichi Dockyard. MOL and MOL Drybulk will be in charge of ownership and operation management of the ship.

The move marks the Japanese companies' latest efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry and achieve the 2050 carbon neutrality.