Bureau Veritas has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) to the design by Viridis Bulk Carriers, supporting a new standard for zero carbon short sea bulk logistics by utilizing ammonia as fuel.
The approval in principle from Bureau Veritas is a major milestone, enabling the uptake of ammonia as fuel to decarbonize the maritime industry.
Recently, Bureau Veritas presented an assessment with the characteristics of ammonia as a fuel, its advantages as well as the challenges it poses.
Viridis pointed out that the approval is an important step towards being able to order the first series of vessels. To note, it expects to place orders for ships during 2023, with deliveries starting in 2025.
We have developed the understanding required and the classification rules that help make safe innovation possible. Our notations and guidance for new fuels provide a key framework for the future.
..said Herman Spilker, Vice President at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, North Europe Zone.
According to Viridis, its vessels, which are designed to support charterers’ cargo capacity needs, have a similar sailing range as the current fleet of short sea bulk vessels 3,000 nm. In addition, they are designed to maintain crew and societal safety at the level of conventional vessels.
In addition, the company noted that the vessel’s design is by Kongsberg Maritime.
Einar Vegsund, Director of Ship Design Solutions at Kongsberg Maritime, commented: “Kongsberg Maritime is constantly seeking technologies for a greener ocean and has therefore taken a significant role in the FlexBulk project. We develop the fuel gas supply system (FGSS) and our ship design team is responsible for all aspects of the next-generation bulk carrier design covering general arrangement, specification, hydrodynamics, stability, safety, machinery, and electrical aspects.”
