Lloyd’s Register Grants Approval for Innovative Bulk Carrier Design
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for its groundbreaking multi-fuel-ready Ultramax bulk carrier design. This significant milestone was officially presented at Oshima Shipbuilding’s headquarters in Japan on January 23, 2026. The approval is a crucial step as the bulk carrier sector aims for lower and zero-carbon operations, fostering confidence among shipowners, financiers, and charterers in adopting new design solutions.
The approved design encompasses a 64,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) bulk carrier concept that is adaptable to various future fuel pathways. These include ammonia, methanol, and methane (LNG), along with provisions for onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS). This multi-fuel approach allows shipowners to postpone final fuel decisions, thereby preserving asset value and ensuring operational relevance throughout the vessel’s lifespan.
Comprehensive Technical Review Ensures Safety and Feasibility
LR conducted an extensive technical review of the Ultramax design in line with its ShipRight Risk Based Certification framework. This thorough assessment evaluated the safety, feasibility, and integration of the proposed fuel and carbon capture systems. The independent assurance provided by LR confirms that the design can advance towards detailed planning and potential construction.
Sung-Gu Park, North East Asia President at Lloyd’s Register, emphasized the current challenges facing the maritime industry. He noted that operators are navigating a landscape of uncertainty as they assess future fuel options, infrastructure developments, and changing global regulations. Park stated, “Oshima’s approach, embedding flexibility for ammonia, methanol, LNG, and onboard carbon capture from the outset, provides shipowners with a practical and future-resilient solution as they plan their decarbonization strategies.”
Lloyd’s Register Grants Approval in Principle for Oshima’s Multi-Fuel-Ready Bulk Carrier
Dr. Junichi Man, Managing Director of Oshima Shipbuilding, expressed gratitude for the approval, highlighting the importance of flexibility in the face of diversifying fuel options and evolving regulations. He remarked, “This AiP was made possible through close collaboration between our engineering team and LR’s experts, whose technical insights and rigorous risk-based assessment greatly enhanced the concept.”
Strengthening Partnerships for Future Technologies
The AiP not only reinforces the longstanding relationship between LR and Oshima Shipbuilding but also underscores the critical role of early-stage assurance in promoting the adoption of next-generation technologies in the maritime sector. As the industry shifts towards sustainable practices, such approvals are vital for encouraging innovation and ensuring that new designs meet safety and environmental standards.
The collaboration between Oshima Shipbuilding and Lloyd’s Register exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of decarbonization in shipping. With this approval, both organizations are poised to contribute significantly to the future of maritime operations, paving the way for safer and more sustainable shipping practices worldwide.
