ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a hydrogen-fuelled multi-purpose vessel using Japan Engine’s large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fuelled engine as a main mover. The AiP is the world’s first for a ship equipped with such a large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fuelled engine. The vessel will also feature a liquefied hydrogen fuel tank and fuel supply system.

The design for the multi-purpose vessel, which features a parcel layout concept, was 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) as well as J-ENG.

The project partners confirmed plans to construct a vessel based on this design at Onomichi Dockyard in Japan. The vessel will be ordered by MOL, and operated by MOL’s subsidiary, MOL Drybulk.