DNV has released updates to its rules for ship classification, with a raft of new class notations designed to enable the maritime industry to tackle the decarbonisation challenge.
The updates include a class notation that offers shipowners the option to prepare for a later conversion to multiple different alternative fuel options, ’fuel ready’. This is applicable for ammonia, LNG, LPG and LFL as a ship fuel – either individually or for more than one fuel at the same time.
Optional attributes cover the structure, engine and machinery, piping and bunkering, and miscellaneous requirements. With all of the options, owners can choose to prepare for a later installation of any system or go ahead with the actual installation and obtain certification of the system during construction.
Another update includes the gas fuelled ammonia class notation. “Ammonia is emerging as a promising alternative fuel option for shipping to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said DNV. “With the “Gas fuelled ammonia” class notation, DNV provides owners looking to build ammonia fuelled vessels the option to start today. Currently, owners are faced with the long, challenging, and costly, ‘alternative design’ approach under the SOLAS regulations. The new class notation sets out the requirements for the ship’s fuel system, fuel bunkering connection, and on through to the consumers.”
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, ceo of DNV Maritime, added: “With the industry under pressure to bend the carbon curve towards zero, inaction is not an option, but picking a future winner in a complicated fuel landscape is a significant challenge. ‘Fuel ready’ gives owners the option to tailor their future conversion with more than one fuel in mind, while ‘gas fuelled ammonia’ provides a practical path for owners who are looking to move towards a zero-carbon fuel option with their next newbuilding.”
The notations and rules updates will enter into force January 1, 2022. A full description of the rules and links can be found here.
