Lloyd’s Register Grants Approval in Principle for Oshima’s Multi-Fuel-Ready Bulk Carrier
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for its innovative multi-fuel-ready Ultramax bulk carrier design. This significant milestone was officially presented at Oshima’s headquarters in Japan on January 23, 2026. The approval covers a 64,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) bulk carrier concept designed to accommodate various future fuel options, including ammonia, methanol, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additionally, the design incorporates provisions for onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS).
The AiP is a crucial step in the maritime industry’s transition towards lower and zero-carbon operations. It aims to build confidence among shipowners, financiers, and charterers regarding new design solutions. Oshima’s multi-fuel-ready approach allows shipowners to defer final fuel decisions, thereby safeguarding asset value and ensuring operational relevance throughout the vessel’s lifespan.
Comprehensive Review and Future-Proofing
LR conducted an extensive technical review of Oshima’s design in accordance with its ShipRight Risk Based Certification framework. This rigorous assessment evaluated the safety, feasibility, and integration of the proposed fuel and carbon capture systems. The independent assurance provided by LR enables the concept to advance towards detailed design 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 period of uncertainty as they evaluate future fuel pathways, infrastructure development, and evolving global regulatory expectations. 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.”
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 Technological Advancement
The AiP not only reinforces the long-standing relationship between LR and Oshima Shipbuilding but also underscores the significance of early-stage assurance in accelerating the adoption of next-generation technologies. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, such approvals are vital for fostering innovation and ensuring that new designs meet the industry’s sustainability goals.
Oshima Shipbuilding Receives Approval for Multi-Fuel Bulk Carrier
The collaboration between Oshima Shipbuilding and Lloyd’s Register exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of decarbonization in shipping. By focusing on flexibility and future readiness, the partnership aims to facilitate the safe and scalable adoption of advanced technologies across the global fleet. As the industry moves forward, the successful implementation of these multi-fuel-ready designs could play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable maritime future.
