Japan’s MOL wins ClassNK OK for ammonia FSRU

Japan’s shipping giant MOL and compatriot Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, have won an approval in principle by ClassNK for an ammonia floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) design.

This AiP gives MOL further assurances in its design and development of an ammonia FSRU, the technology, which enables a large scale of storage and distribution of seaborn ammonia, MOL said in a statement.

Last year, the two firms completed a concept study on the FSRU.

Introducing the ammonia FSRU concept, MOL expects to “contribute to develop ammonia value chain as an alternative carbon neutral fuel,” it said.

FSRU is a floating facility designed for liquified gases and equipped with storage tanks and a regasification facility that receives liquefied gas at sea, vaporizes it and sends it ashore.

It has the advantages of lower cost and shorter construction period than those of the equivalent facilities onshore, MOL said.

MOL said it has gained “considerable experience” in the operation of FSRUs for liquefied natural gas (LNG).

In applying for this AiP, MOL, along with ClassNK and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, conducted a hazard identification study (HAZID), and identified hazards and their risks to be considered in the design of the ammonia FSRU.

Prior to the HAZID, MOL conducted a gas dispersion study. The result of the gas dispersion study was used in the HAZID, that allowed the HAZID team to evaluate risks more quantitatively and narrow down specific preventive measures and countermeasures against ammonia leaks, MOL said.

MOL added it will use this knowledge to further pursue the business development of ammonia FSRUs.

Most Popular

Excelerate buys NFE’s Jamaica business for $1.05 billion

US FSRU player Excelerate Energy has entered into a definitive agreement with compatriot LNG player New Fortress Energy to acquire NFE’s business in Jamaica for $1.055 billion in cash.

Snam’s Ravenna FSRU to get first LNG shipment

Snam's 170,000-cbm FSRU BW Singapore, located off Italy's Ravenna, is set to receive the first LNG cargo from the US as part of its commissioning activities.

Argentina’s Enarsa gets offers for LNG cargo tender

Argentina's state-owned LNG importer Energia Argentina (Enarsa) has received seven offers for its first LNG cargo tender in 2025.

More News Like This

QatarEnergy LNG carrier completes trials in China

A 174,000-cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier built as part of the massive QatarEnergy shipbuilding program has completed its trials in China, according to Hudong-Zhonghua.

Titan, MOL wrap up first LNG bunkering op under new term contract

Dutch LNG supplier Titan and Japan's shipping giant MOL have completed the first LNG and bio-LNG bunkering operation for MOL's car carrier under a new multi-delivery contract.

MOL, Seaspan wrap up Vancouver LNG bunkering op

Japan's shipping giant MOL has joined forces with Canada's Seaspan Energy to complete its first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation in Vancouver, Canada.

TotalEnergies claims Asia Pacific’s first cruise ship LNG bunkering

A unit of France's TotalEnergies has completed what it says is Asia Pacific’s first LNG bunkering for cruise passenger ships.