An ABS-classed Suezmax tanker ordered by Avin International LTD, will be the first ammonia-fuel ready vessel in the world.
The landmark 274-meter-long vessel, is under construction at New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd (NTS), with options for two further vessels.
Currently conventionally fueled, the vessel complies with the ABS Ammonia Ready Level 1 requirements, indicating it is designed to be converted to run on ammonia in the future. All the ships in the project will also meet ABS LNG Fuel Ready Level 1 requirements.
It is a challenging time for shipowners looking to invest in modern vessels able to support fleet decarbonization objectives throughout their life span. ABS’ alternative fuel ready suite of guidance and qualification programs is designed to give owners the flexibility they need and help prepare for a future in which alternative fuels such as ammonia take a bigger role
stated Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology.
He added that ammonia is a promising zero-carbon fuel that can help meet the IMO’s GHG reduction target for 2050. It offers a zero-carbon tank-to-wake emissions profile, ”but is not without challenges, not the least of which is the greater prescriptive requirements for containment and equipment than most of the other alternative fuels under consideration.”
The shipowners, seeking early decarbonization of their fleet, which LNG fuel operations alone are not enough to fully achieve, have additionally invested in making the vessels ready for ammonia fuel. This currently appears to be one of the most widely available and most promising carbon neutral fuels for the future
highlighted Michael Androulakakis, Technical Manager of Avin International LTD.
Ammonia Fuel Ready Level 1 indicates that the vessel complies with the requirements outlined in the ABS Guide for Gas and Other Low-Flashpoint Fuel Ready Vessels. This is part of a suite of industry guidance on alternative fuels developed by ABS, including support for the development of ammonia as a marine fuel.
