When selecting alternative fuel pathways to reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions, dry bulk shipowners face difficult choices—as their fleets primarily operate on tramp routes with no fixed itineraries or scheduled ports. Oshima Shipbuilding’s newly unveiled Ultramax bulk carrier concept design may offer a solution.
Recently, the concept design for a 64,000 dwt Ultramax bulk carrier developed by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding has received approval in principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR).
The AiP covers a 64,000 dwt bulk carrier concept developed to accommodate multiple future fuel pathways, including ammonia, methanol and methane (LNG), alongside provision for OCCS.
The approval was formally presented at Oshima Shipbuilding’s headquarters in Japan on January 23.
LR said it had conducted a comprehensive technical review of the design in accordance with its ShipRight Risk Based Certification framework, assessing the safety, feasibility and integration of the proposed fuel and carbon capture arrangements, providing independent assurance that the concept can progress towards detailed design and potential construction.
“We are honored to receive this approval from Lloyd’s Register for our multi-ready vessel concept. As future fuel options diversify and global regulations continue to evolve, flexibility is becoming increasingly important for shipowners. By enabling compatibility with ammonia, methanol, LNG, and onboard CO₂ capture systems (OCCS), our concept offers a practical and future-ready solution,” said Junichi Man, Managing Director of Oshima Shipbuilding.
“This AiP was made possible through close collaboration between our engineering team and LR’s experts, whose technical insights and rigorous risk-based assessment greatly enhanced the concept. We sincerely appreciate their support.”