ClassNK has granted an Approval in Principle (AiP)1 for the design concept of a retrofitted Kamsarmax bulk carrier, which involves converting it from conventional fuel to methanol dual-fuel.
The concept was collaboratively developed by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and the Fonden Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping2.
This certification signifies the ship’s regulatory feasibility and represents a significant milestone in facilitating the transition of the current fleet to alternative fuels, particularly since this class of bulk carriers is widely used today.
The design concept emerged as part of a project focused on adapting Tsuneishi’s standard Kamsarmax bulk carrier design to a methanol dual-fuel configuration.
Its goal is to establish a precedent for a broader green transition within the medium-sized bulk carrier sector. The project also addresses retrofit challenges, such as determining optimal placement for the new methanol fuel tanks.
