ClassNK publishes estimated leak frequencies of ammonia fuel
(Posted on 03/09/24)
ClassNK has published estimated leak frequencies of ammonia fuel from onboard components for ammonia-fueled ships, usable for risk assessment. The estimated leak frequencies were added as an appendix of 'Part C of Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.0)'.
Ammonia, which does not emit CO2 when burned, is expected to be utilized as an alternative fuel for ships, and various studies and developments are currently underway toward the practical application of ammonia-fueled ships. Such ship design incorporates risk assessment, and risk assessment involves the consideration of the probability of ammonia leak from each component. However, statistical data of onboard ammonia leak have been extremely limited, therefore probability estimation of onboard ammonia leak was difficult.
Therefore, ClassNK, in collaboration with the Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability (RISS), a department of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), conducted probability estimation of the ammonia leak. Specifically, they used Bayesian method to estimate the probability of ammonia leak from each component combining with 1) the onshore ammonia leak frequency data in Japan extracted from the database of the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan, and 2) the LNG leak frequency data in LNG-fueled ships. Thus probability estimation using Bayesian method apply for the risk assessment of substances with few actual operation, such as hydrogen. This is the first time in the world to estimate the ammonia leak frequency in onboard component for ammonia-fueled ships.
By using this estimated leak frequency in onboard components for ammonia-fueled ships, a more reasonable and reliable risk assessment is achieved.
As part of the 'ClassNK Transition Support Services' that comprehensively supports our customers' smooth transition to zero-emission, ClassNK will continue to promote initiatives for the safe use of ammonia and other alternative fuels.
Latest News
Better safeguarding measures needed to support cadets at sea
(Posted on 07/05/25)Cadets are increasingly struggling to complete their cadetships due to a shortage of available placements... Read more
Algoma focuses on reliable service and fleet improvements
(Posted on 07/05/25)Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Algoma... Read more
ClassNK releases ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’
(Posted on 01/05/25)ClassNK has released ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’ which aim to achieve sustainable... Read more
MCTC ensures quality remains at top of the table amid global tensions
(Posted on 30/04/25)In the face of unpredictable provisioning costs, port disruptions, and longer lead times MCTC has reinforced... Read more
NORDEN raises full-year guidance for 2025
(Posted on 28/04/25)On the back of the increased gains from sales of vessels and good operational performance, NORDEN, a... Read more
INTERCARGO welcomes ILO recognition of seafarers as key workers
(Posted on 28/04/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has welcomed the recent decision... Read more
MMS advises why seafarers must remain vigilant about malaria
(Posted on 25/04/25)Despite its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers... Read more
Veson: Bulker S&P activity falls sharply in Q1 2025
(Posted on 22/04/25)Due to market uncertainty, overall sale and purchase levels for Bulkers have fallen year on year, with... Read more
Britannia Group announces CEO succession plan
(Posted on 22/04/25)The Britannia Group, a leading P&I insurer, has announced that its Chief Executive, Andrew Cutler... Read more
INTERCARGO responds to IMO's decision on GHG reduction measures
(Posted on 15/04/25)At last week's landmark MEPC 83 meeting, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States... Read more
