Mitsui E&S-developed methanol fuel supply system okayed by ClassNK

Japanese classification society ClassNK has awarded approval in principle (AiP) for a methanol fuel supply system developed by compatriot Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding.

ClassNK revealed it has reviewed the conceptual design of the system based on part A of its ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels’ incorporating contents of the ‘IMO Interim Guidelines,’ and upon confirming it complies with the prescribed requirements, it issued the AiP.

To note, IMO’s ‘Interim Guideline for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel, IMO Res. MSC.1/Circ.1621’ was released in 2020.

ClassNK said: “Methanol is considered one of the promising alternative fuels for decarbonization, and a significant reduction in GHG emissions on a lifecycle basis is expected by using green methanol such as sustainable biomass-derived bio methanol and e-methanol synthesized from CO2 and renewable energy-derived hydrogen.”

“On the other hand, methanol poses risks in case of leakage due to its characteristics such as toxicity to humans and ease of ignition, necessitating appropriate safety measures.”

To remind, in 2024, ClassNK issued different types of approvals, including one to a Norway-based energy storage company Corvus Energy for a marine energy storage system (ESS), which, according to Corvus, is suitable for a variety of marine applications and vessel types.

Furthermore, ClassNK certified “the world’s first” onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) system installation on a Neopanamax ship, awarded an AiP for the design of a prismatic ammonia fuel tank (IMO Type B independent tank) for containerships developed by Planning and Design Center for Greener Ships (GSC), and awarded an AiP to Japanese company Yanmar Power Technology (YPT) for a maritime hydrogen fuel cell system.

The classification society said it will continue to contribute to advanced decarbonization initiatives, including safety assessments.