Classification society Lloyd’s Register and Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) have signed a joint development project for the design of the world’s largest very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) at the Posidonia event in Athens, Greece.
The vessel, with a carrying capacity of 100,000 cu m, will feature an independent IMO type B tank for the safe storage of ammonia which is expected to optimise its operational efficiency.
The design was assessed according to LR’s Structural Design Assessment and prescriptive analysis and, as part of the joint development project, LR provided GSI with advisory services regarding ammonia fuel applications and future gas ship developments.
“As major economies look to co-fire ammonia in their coal power stations to reduce the CO2 footprint of their national energy mix, shipping will play a key role in distributing clean hydrogen-based commodities such as ammonia, thereby supporting nations to meet their Paris Agreement commitments,” said Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register.
“The 100,000 cu m VLAC design was developed with input from our long-term partners and an ammonia producer. Thanks to the trust extended by all parties, GSI has developed the largest VLAC design in the world,” added Chen Ji, chairman of GSI.
So far, the world’s largest VLAC was ordered by Greece’s Naftomar. The company ordered four 93,000 cum vessels from Hanwha Ocean for $496m in November last year. Delivery is scheduled by the first half of 2027 and newbuilds can switch to using ammonia as fuel at a later date.
