On June 3, Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute (SDARI), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), made a remarkable debut by showcasing four independently developed and designed innovative vessel types at Nor-Shipping 2025 in Oslo, Norway.
These four vessel types have each obtained the Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate from internationally renowned classification societies. These include:
- A 64,000 DWT liquefied natural gas (LNG) reforming hydrogen-producing electric propulsion bulk carrier;
- A 30,000 gross tonnage green and environmentally friendly Mediterranean ro-pax vessel;
- A 50,000 cbm ammonia fuel bunkering vessel;
- And a 113,000 DWT ammonia dual-fuel powered liquid cargo vessel.
The 64,000 DWT LNG reforming hydrogen electric propulsion bulk carrier is based on the latest generation of SDARI Green Dolphin 64, and introduces the concept of fully electrified design onboard. The vessel is equipped with an LNG fuel system and uses reforming hydrogen production technology to successfully resolve the technical difficulties and cost challenges of storing liquid hydrogen onboard. By capturing carbon dioxide before combustion, the greenhouse gas emissions of vessel is further reduced, the carbon intensity index (CII) is improved, and the fuel greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI) response path is optimized.
Electric propulsion is adopted, relying on the blending of LNG and hydrogen, container power battery units, photovoltaic power generation systems, etc. to provide electricity for the entire vesssel. At the same time, a wind power assist system is installed to reserve future hydrogen fuel cell interfaces, providing more flexible response options for responding to the short-term and medium-term emission reduction measures of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This vessel type has been awarded the Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate by the RINA.
The 30,000 gross tonnage Mediterranean ro-pax vessel is the latest ro-pax vessel independently developed by SDARI to sail in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a passenger quota of 800 people, a crew quota of 70 people, and a lane length of 2,700 meters. It meets the requirements of the Stockholm Agreement, the stability requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 2020, and the requirements of EEDI Phase III.
SDARI adopts the self-developed bubble lubrication and drag reduction system during the research and development process, and the vessel has good energy-saving and emission reduction efficacy. Meanwhile, through the innovative design of exterior and interior art, as well as the optimization and upgrading of key technologies such as weight center of gravity control, vibration and noise control, and safe return to port, the vessel is expected to bring a brand-new experience to passengers’ sea travel. The vessel has been awarded the AIP certificate by the RINA.
The 50,000 cbm ammonia fuel bunkering carrier is the latest vessel type developed by SDARI to meet the future demand for liquid ammonia fuel transportation and bunkering. The vessel integrates liquid ammonia transportation and bunkering functions, and can meet the long-distance transportation needs of liquefied gas cargoes such as LPG and liquid ammonia. The vessel is equipped with three IMO Type A independent liquid cargo tanks and uses zero-carbon ammonia fuel to drive the main engine and generator, meeting the IMO greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy and actively responding to the latest GFI requirements of the 83rd meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83).
The vessel is equipped with two independent 1,000 cbm deck liquid ammonia storage tanks, taking into account the need for ammonia fuel continuity under multi-cargo loading and unloading, which significantly improves the operating economy and flexibility. For bunkering operations, the vessel is specially equipped with bow telescopic thrusters, stern side thrusters and adjustable propellers, which meets the DPS-1 class notation of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and adapts to the complex harbor environment of bunkering operations. The vessel has been awarded the ABS AIP certificate.
The 113,000 DWT ammonia dual-fuel powered liquid cargo vessel is a new generation LR2 vessel developed by SDARI for the new MEPC 83 rules. With an optimized propulsion system and specially configured fuel oil/ammonia dual-fuel power system and sail-assisted propulsion system, the vessel is expected to save more than 10% energy, especially at low speeds. Therefore, it can reduce emissions while also being more in line with GFI reward rules.
The vessel is also equipped with electric cargo pumps for future offloading using shore power. Equipped with power batteries and shaft generator/motor, it can significantly reduce the energy consumption of the main engine when sailing in and out of ports and at low speeds, and it can also be recharged by the shaft generator for the batteries or by the shore power when docking in ports, which makes it very flexible. The vessel has been awarded the LR AIP certificate.
With forward-looking design concepts, futuristic vessel type presentation, diversified solutions and excellent and strong R&D strength, SDARI has been well received by the international maritime community and has become one of the biggest highlights and most sensational events of this exhibition.