LR awards AiP for hydrogen-fuelled bulker

The bulker, due to be commissioned early in 2024, will be entirely free of emissions in all operational modes.

The classification society has awarded the AiP after undertaking a risk-based HAZID certification. Hydrogen, supplied by Statkraft, will be stored on board in compressed form and the ship’s engine will be optimised for maximum efficiency, LR said.

Designed by Norwegian Ship Design, the With Orca will fulfil a long-term contract carrying aggregates for Heidelberg Cement from western Norway to the east of the country, and grain cargoes for Felleskjøpet Agri in the opposite direction. Its voyages, across the open waters of the North Sea, will be ideal for wind-assisted operation.  

Shipowner and project manager, Ivar Ulvan, commented: “Receiving the AiP from Lloyd’s Register is an important milestone for us. We have been working with the project for more than 1.5 years, and the AiP confirms that we have made good design choices in our effort to create a safe, efficient, and feasible concept.”

LR’s Mark Darley, Marine and Offshore director, said: “LR is delighted to have been selected for this world first project that utilises several alternative propulsion technologies. Through our thorough risk-based analysis we are happy to award Approval in Principle for the use of hydrogen as a sustainable and safe solution for vessel propulsion. LR is a pioneer in maritime decarbonisation and is supporting our clients to assess the technological, commercial and societal viability of multiple transition pathways.”

Related:RINA approves 2050-ready LNG/hydrogen MR tanker