ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for an Ammonia FSRU (Ammonia Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Ammonia, which does not emit CO2 during combustion, is projected to be widely used as a source of clean energy for decarbonization, while the development of onshore facilities for storage and regasification is a challenge.
FSRU is a floating facility designed for liquified gases and equipped with storage tanks and a regasification facility that receives liquified gas on the water, vaporizes it and sends it ashore. FSRU has the advantages of lower costs and shorter construction periods than those of the equivalent facilities onshore. The Ammonia FSRU, developed by MOL and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding this time, applies this technology to ammonia. It is expected to contribute to the development of ammonia value chain as an alternative carbon neutral fuel.
ClassNK carried out a review of a conceptual design of the Ammonia FSRU based on its Part N of Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships for ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk, “Guidelines for Floating Offshore Facilities for LNG/LPG Production, Storage, Offloading and Regasification” and the other relevant rules, and examined risk assessment taking into account the results of gas dispersion study. Upon confirming it complies with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP.
In applying for this AiP, MOL, along with ClassNK and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, conducted a hazard identification study (HAZID) (Note 2), and identified hazards and their risks to be considered in the design of the ammonia FSRU. Prior to the HAZID, MOL conducted a gas dispersion study. The result of the gas dispersion study was used in the HAZID, that allowed the HAZID team to evaluate risks more quantitatively and narrow down specific preventive measures and countermeasures against ammonia leaks. The MOL Group will use this knowledge to further pursue the business development of ammonia FSRUs.
The MOL Group has set a mid-to-long-term target of “achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 with the concerted effort throughout the Group” in the “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2.” MOL is also strengthening its non-shipping businesses, including offshore businesses, as part of business portfolio reforms aimed at ensuring profitability even in an ocean shipping recession, while continually investing in market-oriented businesses that are expected to generate high returns, in line with the group management plan “BLUE ACTION 2035.” FSRU project is an initiative that is consistent with these strategies.
The group will continue to develop various social infrastructure businesses in addition to traditional shipping businesses and will meet the evolving social needs including environmental conservation, with innovative technology and services.
