London-based shipping firm Navigator Gas has received basic approval from classification society DNV for its ammonia-powered gas carrier design.
An industrywide consortium, including MAN, Babcock, as well as the Norwegian Maritime Authority, has collaborated with Navigator Gas to achieve the approval in principle, DNV said in a statement.
Moreover, the classification society said it has awarded the new gas carrier design based on the special features notation (GF NH3) under its new rules for the use of ammonia as fuel in gas carriers.
DNV, alongside the NMA, reviewed the design and relevant documentation and found no potential showstoppers to its realization, it said.
“Obtaining an AiP from DNV for an ammonia-fuelle vessel is the first step in preparing Navigator Gas to meet the future demands of our customers and to reduce our carbon footprint through lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said Paul Flaherty, technical advisor to Navigator Gas.
“In the longer term, using ammonia as fuel is one of alternative fuels options we are pursuing, along with CCS, carbon offsetting and improved vessel optimization to reduce our carbon footprint and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
Navigator Gas transports liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), petrochemical gases and ammonia for energy companies, industrial users but also commodity traders.
According to its website, the firm operates a fleet of 38 gas carriers.
