Classnk News

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, and Nippon Steel Corporation have received the world’s first General Design Approval (GDA) from ClassNK for a breakthrough tank technology that enables the manufacture of large low-pressure liquefied CO₂ (LCO₂) cargo tanks without post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). The achievement marks a significant step toward scaling up CO₂ transport capacity to support global carbon capture, utilization and storage…

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for Spray form insulation system of IMO Type B tank for LNG and ammonia fuel developed by Nihon Shipyard and Hankuk Carbon.The certification demonstrates its feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives.Traditionally, IMO Type C tanks have been the mainstream choice for LNG-fueled ships due to their advantages in productivity and cost. Meanwhile, for the large-capacity fuel tanks required on large container ships and ammonia-fueled vessels…

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for "Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System" developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to the "Berthing and unberthing Assistance System-Human Machine Interface." ClassNK has also confirmed that the 'a-SAFE' notation (BSS)-Berthing Support System, which indicate ships with advanced safety measures, can be applied to ClassNK-registered vessels equipped with…

ClassNK has released "Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)", which assesses onboard CO2 capture systems (OCCS) using membrane separation. The guidelines can be used to support the safe development, manufacturing, and installation of a relevant system.CO2 capture from ship exhaust gas is growing in popularity as a way to reduce GHG emissions, and the development of onboard systems for capturing and storing CO2 is being undertaken. In 2023, ClassNK published the first edition of the "Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems…

ClassNK has added Japan's first hydrogen-fueled tugboat TEN-OH to its register, which is built by TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd.This vessel was developed and build under the 'Nippon Foundation Zero Emission Ships Project', a grant program by The Nippon Foundation aimed at developing ships with zero CO2 emissions.Based on discussions among the parties involved during the planning stage of the vessel, ClassNK reviewed the safety requirements and countermeasures for hydrogen-fueled…

Helm Operations, a provider of maritime operations and crew management software, announced a key leadership transition as James Wadsworth assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Nolan Barclay, Helm’s first employee and most recent CEO, will continue to support the company as Chairman.Wadsworth brings more than two decades of maritime industry experience and visionary leadership to the role. He joined Helm a decade ago after nearly ten years with ClassNK in Japan, where…

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Kanadevia Corporation, and Yanmar Power Solutions have achieved a 98% methane slip reduction rate in onboard trials of LNG-fueled vessels, exceeding their initial target of 70%.The trials are part of the Green Innovation Fund Project ‘Development of Next-Generation Vessels’ led by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).The project, which runs from fiscal 2021 through 2026, aims to combine methane oxidation catalysts…

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a methanol fuel tank design concept developed by SRC Group, which uses a Sandwich Plate System (SPS) technology to almost double shipboard storage capacity for both methanol and ethanol.The certification demonstrates its feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives.With the growing adoption of alternative fuels such as methanol in the maritime industry, the development of safe and efficient fuel storage solutions has become increasingly important.In contrast to traditional fuel tanks…

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for large liquefied CO2 carrier developed by by Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore (DSOC) and Nantong Offshore Design & Research Institute (NODRI).The certification confirms the feasibility of the vessel from regulatory and safety perspectives.ClassNK reviewed the design concept of the vessel based on its 'Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships', including Part N, which incorporates the IGC Code, an international…

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for an ammonia-fueled LPG/NH3 carrier, applied for jointly by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and MITSUI E&S.The certification demonstrates its feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives.Ammonia, which does not emit CO2 during combustion, is expected to see wider use as a zero-carbon fuel for ships. At present, various studies and development efforts are underway to bring ammonia fuelled ships into practical use.In 2021, prior to the establishment of specific international standards for the use of ammonia as fuel for ships…

NYK has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK for the conceptual design of an offshore recovery system for reusable rockets it developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.Rockets are launched by generating thrust through the combustion of fuel and oxidizer. Following launch, the lower stage (first stage) of the rocket separates from the upper stage and falls back to Earth. Most first stages are expected to be designed with advanced functions to accurately…

As the global shipping industry accelerates toward decarbonization, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has unveiled its first methanol bunkering simulator at its Maritime Training Center in Kochi, India. Developed in partnership with Wärtsilä, the new platform is designed to give seafarers hands-on training for safely handling methanol, one of the leading alternative fuels driving maritime’s low-carbon transition.The simulator marks a significant step in BSM’s broader strategy to future-proof crew training for a new generation of low- and zero-emission vessels.

ClassNK launched a new service, ‘ClassNK Fleet Cost Simulation’, as part of its ‘ClassNK Transition Support Services’, which aims to facilitate the maritime industry’s transition to decarbonized fuels. This new service estimates the cost impact of GHG emission reduction regulations including IMO's mid-term measures, EU-ETS, and FuelEU Maritime on behalf of clients. This service provides the ‘ClassNK Fleet Cost Calculator’, a calculation tool that simulates future cost fluctuations due to fuel conversion…

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) have acquired Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for its jointly developed liquefied CO2 (LCO2) / methanol carrier. AiP acquisition for this type of carrier marks a world's first.Technologies for converting CO2 into fuel or chemical products are attracting attention as a means of utilizing CO2 in CCUS (Carbon dioxide Capture, Utilization and Storage).

ClassNK has issued world's first Approval in Principle (AiP) for LCO2-methanol carrier, jointly developed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).The certification confirms the feasibility of the vessel, which is being developed for commercialization, from regulatory and safety perspectives. It marks the world’s first issuance of an AiP for a LCO2-methanol carrier.The vessel for which Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MOL acquired AiP is based on a low-pressure LCO2 carrier.It aims to transport CO2…

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines have acquired Approval in Principle (AiP) from CLassNK for the design of their jointly developed liquefied CO2 (LCO2) and methanol carrier, a world first for this type of vessel.The vessel is based on a low-pressure LCO2 carrier. It aims to transport CO2, which serves as raw material, on outward voyages and synthetic methanol on return voyages.If dual transport of CO2 and methanol is achieved, empty-cargo trips can be eliminated…

Accelleron has simplified emissions reporting for users of its digital solutions after collaborating with ClassNK to establish a direct connection between Tekomar XPERT marine’s emissions module and the ClassNK MRV portal.Under European and IMO regulations, emissions reports need to be verified by an accredited entity before being submitted to the relevant authority. Tekomar XPERT’s emission module automates the collation of ship emissions data into the format required for various regulations—including the EU Monitoring…

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), NYK and MTI Co., have conducted a joint workshop on port-to-port maritime autonomous surface ship (MASS) trials.The MASS trials are testing the interoperability of autonomous vessels with port-based systems, including MPA’s Vessel Traffic Information System, and enable the development of best practices and standards for navigation safety, route planning, fuel consumption, AI-based decision-making, communications and cybersecurity in the port of Singapore.Held in Singapore…

Imabari Maritime Fair, "Bari-Ship 2025" is schedule to be held from May 22- 24, 2025 at Texport Imabari (Imabari, Japan)."Bari-Ship" is the largest international maritime exhibition in Western Japan, held every two years in Imabari, Japan’s leading maritime city. The event serves as a venue for maritime industry professionals from not only Japan but around the world to gather, engage in business matching, and exchange information.This year's exhibition will be the largest ever…

ClassNK has released the “Guidelines for Safety Operation for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels” to ensure safe operation on board ammonia-fueled vessels.The introduction of alternative fuel vessels is approaching 40% of the total on an order basis and is expected to increase further in the future, and alternative fuels such as ammonia have unique risks that conventional heavy oil fuels do not.The guidelines give top priority to protecting the safety of seafarers and cover matters to be kept in mind in daily operations…

The Global Ro-Ro Community including Eastern Car Liner, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Wallenius Wilhelmsen and ClassNK have developed guidelines for calculating GHG emission intensity for ro-ro ships in conjunction with the international non-profit organization Smart Freight Centre.The guidelines introduce a common calculation method, enabling shippers to accurately measure Scope 3 emissions.The standard calculation model complies with the ISO 14083 and Global Logistics Emissions Council framework.

ClassNK has released "Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines," which aim to achieve sustainable ship management with safety as the highest priority. With an evolving environment surrounding ship management, including fuel transition, stricter regulations, and crew shortage, ClassNK aims to enable flexible responses to unexpected situations by drawing on lessons learned from successful case studies that had not received much attention before.At sea, where unpredictable conditions are common, case-by-case judgment is essential to ensure safe navigation.

Japanese operator Tokyo Kisen has taken delivery of the first of two new bespoke crew transfer vessels (CTVs), designed by Incat Crowther, which will be put to service Japan’s growing offshore wind energy sector.Constructed by Cheoy Lee shipyard in China, the first 26.4-meter-long vessel completed sea trials in late 2024.The two ClassNK 26-metre catamaran CTVs have been developed with Tokyo Kisen to comply with strict local regulations.The design of the vessels has been future-proofed…