Press Release

19 October 2023

Tokyo - ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a parcel layout concept for a hydrogen-fueled multi-purpose vessel developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), MOL Drybulk Ltd. (MOL Drybulk), Onomichi Dockyard Co., Ltd. (Onomichi Dockyard), Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Kawasaki), Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG). This is the world’s first AiP certification for a ship equipped with a large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fueled engine as the main propulsion engine.

According to the companies, demonstration operation of the vessel will be conducted for two years from around FY2027 as part of the “Development of marine hydrogen engines and MHFS*1” which was adopted by Green Innovation Funding Program of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Prior to the demonstration operation, J-ENG’s large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fueled engine and Kawasaki’s MHFS will be installed in the vessel by FY2026. MOL and MOL Drybulk will be in charge of ownership and operation management of the vessel and Onomichi Dockyard will be in charge of the development and building of the vessel, and they will cooperate toward the demonstration operation.

ClassNK carried out a review of a parcel layout concept for the MHFS based on its rules including part GF of its "Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships" incorporating the IGF Code and risk assessment results through Pre-HAZID*2. Upon confirming they comply with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP.

ClassNK will contribute to the further consideration of the project for demonstration operation from the perspective of safety evaluation and will strive to support the decarbonization of shipping.

*1 Marine Hydrogen Fuel System (Marine Hydrogen Fuel Tank and Fuel Supply System)

*2 Risk assessment meeting held to review the parcel layout concept of the marine hydrogen fuel tank and the fuel supply system prior to the HAZID meeting that will be held for whole vessel in the project.



Image of Hydrogen-fueled Multi-Purpose Vessel (D/W 17,500 M.T.)
(courtesy of J-ENG)


AiP Handover Ceremony

From left
Mr. Hiroyuki Motoya, Executive Officer, General Manager of Design Department, Onomichi Dockyard
Mr. Terumi Moriguchi, Managing Executive Officer, MOL Drybulk
Mr. Yoshihiko Sugimoto, General Manager, Technical Division, Technology Innovation Unit, MOL
Mr. Masaki Matsunaga, Corporate Officer, Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division, ClassNK
Mr. Hideaki Murata, Associate Officer, General Manager, Marine Machinery Business Division, Kawasaki
Mr. Seiji Shindo, Representative Executive Managing Director of Technology, J-ENG

Approval in Principle (AiP):
At the initial stage of designing or before the specific target ship to be implemented is decided, the design is examined based on the existing regulations such as international conventions and ship classification rules, and an Approval in Principle (AiP) is issued as proof of conformity with requirements. It also prevents rework of regulatory aspects in the post-process, shortens the examination time at the time of class registration, and can be used as a technical basis for external appeal of the design status. For more information, visit our website.