Bureau Veritas (BV) has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Viridis Bulk Carriers for an innovative ammonia (NH3)-fuelled short-sea bulk carrier design. Viridis Bulk Carriers expects to place the first orders for NH3-fuelled ships during 2023, with deliveries starting in 2025.
The vessel design was developed by Kongsberg Maritime, and Viridis Bulk Carriers collaborated closely with eight charterers in the Flexbulk NH3 Ammonia Power consortium project to ensure that cargo capacities and operational capabilities are just as future-proof as the power technology and emissions reductions.
The Viridis vessels which are designed to support charterers cargo capacity needs, have similar sailing range as the current fleet of short sea bulk vessels > 3,000 nm, and to maintain the crew and societal safety at the level of conventional vessels.
“We have developed the understanding required and the classification rules that help make safe innovation possible. Our notations and guidance for new fuels provide a key framework for the future. Bureau Veritas class approval in principle helps provide the confidence needed to support this ammonia as fuel project and we warmly welcome the initiative and ambition from Viridis Bulk Carriers as we work with our clients and partners to shape a better maritime world,” says Herman Spilker, Vice President at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, North Europe Zone.
“Kongsberg Maritime is constantly seeking technologies for a greener ocean and has therefore taken a significant role in the FlexBulk project. We develop the fuel gas supply system (FGSS) and our Ship Design team is responsible for all aspects of the next generation bulk carrier design covering general arrangement, specification, hydrodynamics, stability, safety, machinery and electrical aspects. We are inspired by the Viridis Bulk Carriers strategy not to take a wait-and-see approach to decarbonization but to partner with high-end clients who are making value-driven choices to reduce CO2 emissions for transportation of their products. We will use our experienced teams to ensure a strong focus on safety with special measures taken to limit the risk, ensuring it is similar to that found on conventional ships,“ says Einar Vegsund, Director Ship Design Solutions at Kongsberg Maritime.
Supply chain development
Viridis Bulk Carriers is also a consortium member of Ammonia Fuel Bunkering Network, which is planning to build a bunkering network in Scandinavia in collaboration with Yara. The first terminal will be delivered in 2024 as part of the Green Platform backed project. Yara have pre-ordered an additional 15 bunkering terminals for the Scandinavian market. Viridis notes that the development of a domestic ammonia bunkering chain will ensure ammonia fuel supply for the Viridis Bulk Carriers fleet.
