Press Release

8 December 2021

Tokyo – Leading Classification Society ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co. Ltd. for their jointly developed design of an ammonia-fuelled PCC.

Ammonia is expected to be used as decarbonized fuel for ships since it does not emit CO2 when burned, however, taking adequate safety measures are impartial due to its characteristics of being toxic to humans and corrosive against materials. While international standards for using ammonia as ship fuel are yet to be developed, ClassNK published its “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels” in August 2021 to minimize the risks related to ammonia-fuelled ships for the ships, crew, and environment by stipulating requirements for installation, controls, and safety devices.

For challenges related to toxicity when using ammonia as ship fuel, ClassNK, along with “K” LINE and Shin Kurushima Dockyard, has assessed and investigated the safety measures against the potential leakage risks of ammonia. Incorporating the knowledge based on the investigation, “K” LINE and Shin Kurushima Dockyard have developed a design for an ammonia-fuelled PCC. ClassNK has carried out the design review in line with the “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels” and issued the AiP upon confirming that the design meets the requirements.

ClassNK will continue participating in innovative initiatives related to decarbonization. By incorporating the expertise obtained from the collaborative work with frontrunners into its rules and guidelines, ClassNK will support the decarbonization of the entire industry.


AiP granting ceremony
From right
Mr. Toyohisa Nakano, Executive Officer, General Manager of Ship Technical Group, “K” LINE
Mr. Yoshio Tanaka, Director, Executive Managing Officer, Shin Kurushima Dockyard
Dr. Toshiyuki Shigemi, Executive Director, Senior Executive Vice President, ClassNK


An image of Ammonia-Fuelled Car Carrier