In Japan, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding announced they have received Approval in Principle from ClassNK for a methanol dual-fuel retrofit design for KAMSARMAX-class bulk carriers, a project developed in collaboration with the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping to convert existing heavy oil vessels for lower emissions at an undisclosed cost.
The design relocates new methanol tanks into the cargo hold after assessing multiple configurations for safety, hull integrity, and operational range. ClassNK’s review and a Hazard Identification Study confirmed the retrofit’s technical feasibility.
Medium-sized bulk carriers like KAMSARMAX vessels account for about 30% of the global bulk carrier segment, and retrofitting older ships is seen as a key pathway to reducing emissions due to their long service life.
“Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has set a milestone to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with the target to convert all vessels from fuel-oil-fired vessels by 2035,” said Okumura Sachio, President and CEO. “This project was a major step forward in providing a decarbonisation solution for existing vessels.”
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
