Oshima Shipbuilding Secures Approval for Innovative Multi-Fuel Bulk Carrier Design
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for its groundbreaking multi-fuel-ready Ultramax bulk carrier design. This pivotal achievement was announced on January 23, 2026, at Oshima’s headquarters in Japan. The approval pertains to a 64,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) bulk carrier concept that is engineered to utilize a variety of future fuel options, including ammonia, methanol, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Notably, the design also includes provisions for onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS), marking a significant step towards sustainable maritime operations.
The AiP is a vital component in the maritime industry’s shift towards lower and zero-carbon operations. It aims to instill confidence among shipowners, financiers, and charterers regarding new design solutions. Oshima’s multi-fuel-ready strategy allows shipowners to postpone final fuel decisions, thereby protecting asset value and ensuring operational relevance throughout the vessel’s lifecycle.
Comprehensive Review and Future-Proofing
Lloyd’s Register undertook a thorough technical review of Oshima’s design, adhering to its ShipRight Risk Based Certification framework. This rigorous evaluation assessed the safety, feasibility, and integration of the proposed fuel and carbon capture systems. The independent assurance provided by LR enables the concept to progress towards detailed design and potential construction.
Sung-Gu Park, North East Asia President at Lloyd’s Register, highlighted the challenges currently facing the maritime industry. Operators are navigating a landscape of uncertainty as they assess future fuel pathways, infrastructure development, and evolving global regulatory standards. 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 appreciation for the approval, emphasizing the importance of flexibility amid diversifying fuel options and changing regulations. He noted, “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 strengthens the longstanding partnership between LR and Oshima Shipbuilding but also highlights the importance of early-stage assurance in promoting the adoption of next-generation technologies. As the maritime sector evolves, such approvals are crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring that new designs align with the industry’s sustainability objectives.
The collaboration between Oshima Shipbuilding and Lloyd’s Register exemplifies a proactive approach to tackling the challenges of decarbonization in shipping. By prioritizing flexibility and future readiness, the partnership aims to facilitate the safe and scalable adoption of advanced technologies across the global fleet. As the industry progresses, the successful implementation of these multi-fuel-ready designs could play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable maritime future.
