Much of the impetus to reduce emissions now comes from the shipping industry itself, with pioneering shipowners going above and beyond the pace of regulation and committing to ambitious net-zero targets.
A key role of class is to empower these pioneers by providing the expertise and independent validation they need to deliver on shipping’s decarbonisation transition.
In an era of change, there are risks in acting and risks in waiting. So which path to follow? For first-movers there is still much uncertainty about new fuels and other technologies. While the first engines capable of burning ammonia or hydrogen are already under development, significant innovation is still needed to overcome the technology and safety challenges related to the toxicity, flammability and low energy density of these new potential fuels. Building the necessary global supply chain infrastructure will also take years. For shipowners, therefore, investing in these solutions can sometimes feel like a leap of faith. However, they have a trusted advisor by their side: classification societies independently assess and validate the safety and performance of new fuels and new energy-saving devices. Consequently, class acts as a catalyst in shipping’s sustainability transition, providing the trust, expertise and validation shipowners need as they take up the developing innovative solutions.
Working together
Working with shipowners, shipyards and technology providers from the early concept stages to delivery, class provides the expertise and objectivity needed to independently assess new technologies. Classification rules, provide a comprehensive framework to address the main risks related to specific fuels. Our Rule Note for ammonia gives specific requirements to manage toxicity, such as double-walled piping and detection systems wherever there is a risk of leakage. This provides clarity to industry pioneers for a number of ambitious projects that we are supporting, including the development of the world’s largest ammonia-powered Very Large Ammonia Carrier, which has a cargo carrying capacity of 93,000 m3 and is being built by Jiangnan Shipyard Group for shipowner JS & Co.
Another example is our partnership with wind propulsion pioneering shipowner Zéphyr & Borée. We validated their unique concept of wing-sails for an open-top 1,800 TEU containership. BV was involved from the very early stages, validating the feasibility of the concept.
Technology development
Technology developers are also working ahead of regulators in developing innovative solutions for reducing emissions needing support during all stages of their project. Many of these developments are being adapted to existing ships. BV provided Approval in Principle (AiP) for a new retrofit concept combining LNG propulsion with the jumboization of container ships. The concept was developed by GTT, an expert in LNG membrane tanks, Alwena Shipping, an engineering firm, and COSCO (Zhoushan) shipyard. BV reviewed the layout of the LNG Fuel Containment System and Fuel Gas Supply System in accordance with the IGF Code and BV Rule NR 529. With our Rules, we help de-risk ambitious new projects such as this. We validate compliance with existing rules and regulations, and where prescriptive rules are yet to be developed, we use our expertise and experience in risk assessment studies helping identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks.
No compromise on safety
In BV, Crew safety is an absolute. As an industry, we are responsible for protecting seafarers and ensuring they are trained to handle the technical and safety challenges of new fuels and complex vessels. Class plays a vital role in both aspects confirming that the right safeguards are in place on board. For instance, we recently carried out a study for an ammonia-fuelled tanker in collaboration with TotalEnergies. By analysing the NH3 cloud dispersion for various leakage scenarios, we acquired detailed insights and guidance for the necessary NH3-vapor processing systems, ventilation, operational protective measures and bunkering safety systems.
New markets
Shipowners are taking on new opportunities to support the energy generation. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the offshore wind market had its best-ever year in 2021 with 21.1GW commissioned, and more than 90 GW of capacity expected over the next few years. Turbines are increasing in size and projects are underway for a new generation of vessels capable of installing them. BV worked with shipowner Vallianz Holdings, Ulstein Design & Solutions, and Shift Clean Energy on the design and construction of a heavy transport vessel (HTV) that will be the first of its kind. The HTV will transport monopiles, jackets, transition pieces and turbine blades to offshore wind farms.
Featuring zero emission capability, the DP-2 vessel will be driven by a hybrid power system including dual-fuel engines and a battery system. The shift towards sustainability is leading a new breed of shipowners to enter the market. The MANTA sailboat has been developed by the shipowning NGO The SeaCleaners to collect marine plastic pollution. BV granted an AiP for this unique vessel, which is due to set sail at the end of 2025 powered by a combination of renewable energy technologies designed to achieve 50% to 75% energy autonomy.
Regulatory support
Class has an important role here too – updating rules and interpreting regulations as they are developed. BV will continue to work with regulators and the International Association of Classification
Societies to ensure that these rules are valid, comprehensive and consistently applied. With class supporting the industry’s efforts, it needs not be a leap of faith.
* Project Development Leader for Greece, Cyprus and Malta at Bureau Veritas Group
