ClassNK certification society has given an A rating to the LNG dual-fueled chemical tanker Fairchem Pioneer jointly developed by Fukuoka Shipbuilding and Fairfield Japan.
The tanker is currently under construction at Fukuoka Shipbuilding, and is going to be chartered to FJL. The vessel was evaluated under the “Zero-Emission Accelerating Ship Finance” program, jointly operated by ClassNK and Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ), which provided financing to Fukuoka Shipbuilding for the construction. Under the program, ClassNK evaluates ships based on a comprehensive scoring model which covers features such as decarbonization, environmentally friendly performance, and innovativeness, while DBJ provides investment and financing.
Through the expansion of the Program, DBJ and ClassNK want to support shipping and shipbuilding companies’ efforts to contribute to the acceleration of the transition toward decarbonization of the entire maritime industry. In evaluating the ship, the following factors were taken into account:
The ship was given with “A” rating as “the ship with high decarbonization, environmentally friendly performance, and innovativeness”, recognizing that adequate environment-related investments have been made.
FJL, the Japanese subsidiary of Fairfield Chemical Carriers Inc., a U.S. operator specializing in chemical tankers, has been working on advanced initiatives to decarbonize its operations, including joint development of the ship with Fukuoka Shipbuilding.
The ship is expected to be the first LNG dual-fueled chemical tanker in Japan.