ClassNK gives nod to first ammonia floating storage

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for an ammonia floating storage and regasification barge (A-FSRB) jointly developed by NYK Line, Nihon Shipyard Co (NSY), and IHI Corp (IHI). This is the world’s first AiP for A-FSRBs handling ammonia as cargo.

The A-FSRB jointly developed by NYK Line, NSY, and IHI is an offshore floating facility that can receive and store ammonia that has been transported via ship as a liquid, warm and regasify ammonia according to demand, and then send it to a pipeline onshore.

According to the three companies, the A-FSRB offers the advantages of shorter construction time and lower costs in comparison with the construction of onshore storage tanks and regasification plants. The companies anticipate the A-FSRB could speed adoption of fuel ammonia and contribute to its wider use as a lower-environmental-impact next-generation fuel.

ClassNK carried out the design review of the A-FSRB in line with its Part PS of Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships and Guidelines for Floating Offshore Facilities for LNG/LPG Production, Storage, Offloading and Regasification.