Japanese hydrogen-fuelled vessel gets ClassNK approval

Five Japanese companies, Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL), MOL Drybulk, Onomichi Dockyard Co., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG), have received approval for their hydrogen-fueled vessel, the companies said on October 19.

The companies conducted a risk assessment of a multi-purpose vessel powered by hydrogen and have been granted approval in principle (AiP) of parcel layout concept from classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). Parcel layout means the proposed layout of liquefied hydrogen fuel tank and other hydrogen fuel related equipment onboard and the design concept.

Demonstration operation of the vessel will be conducted for two years from around fiscal year 2027. Prior to the demonstration operation, J-ENG's large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fueled engine and Kawasaki's MHFS will be installed in the vessel by fiscal 2026. MOL and MOL Drybulk will be in charge of ownership and operation management of the vessel, and Onomichi Dockyard will be in charge of the development and building of the vessel.

The parties completed identification of the risks and issues to be considered in further design for the parcel layout concept of liquefied hydrogen fuel tank and fuel supply system, and confirmed that the design of the vessel can proceed further based on the current parcel layout.