Alternative fuels and OCCS-ready bulk carrier gets ClassNK’s approval

December 18, 2025, by Nadja Skopljak

Japanese classification society ClassNK has issued approval in principle (AiP) for a concept design of a bulk carrier developed by Oshima Shipbuilding that is ready for multiple alternative fuels and onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS).

The AiP covers a vessel designed to be adaptable for ammonia, methanol, and liquified natural gas (LNG), as well as ready for future installation of onboard CO2 capture and storage systems.

According to ClassNK, the approval confirms the feasibility of the vessel from regulatory and safety perspectives.

The review was conducted in line with ClassNK’s frameworks for future fuel and emissions technologies. These include Annex 1 Alternative Fuel Ready (Edition 3.0.1) of the Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels, which define requirements for ships that are not initially fueled by alternative fuels but are designed and partially equipped to accommodate them in the future.

In parallel, readiness requirements for OCCS are addressed under the Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0).

After confirming compliance with the prescribed requirements, the AiP was issued.