ClassNK Approves New Insulation System Advancing Clean-Fuel Shipping
ClassNK has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to a newly developed spray-form insulation system designed for IMO Type B tanks used in LNG- and ammonia-fueled vessels.
The innovation, created by Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. and Hankuk Carbon Co., Ltd., marks significant progress toward safer and more efficient next-generation clean-fuel ships.
The certification confirms that the design meets key international safety and regulatory standards, reinforcing its feasibility for future vessel construction.
IMO’s Net-Zero Delay Deepens Global Climate Fault Lines in Shipping
Why Type B Tanks Matter in the Decarbonization Race
As global shipping accelerates its shift toward decarbonization, LNG and ammonia are emerging as promising alternative fuels. While IMO Type C tanks have traditionally been favored for LNG-fueled ships due to their cost and production advantages, the industry is increasingly turning to IMO Type B tanks for larger vessels.
Type B tanks offer superior cargo capacity, better space efficiency, and improved outfitting flexibility, making them ideal for large container ships and ammonia-powered vessels. The new insulation system aims to enhance their performance further.
Inside the Approval Process
ClassNK evaluated the spray-form insulation concept and its demonstration mock-up using its “Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships,” specifically:
Part N, aligned with the IGC Code for liquefied gas carriers
Part GF, aligned with the IGF Code for alternative-fuel ships
After confirming full compliance, ClassNK issued the AiP, signalling that the technology is ready for practical application in future vessel designs.
Industry Leaders Behind the Innovation
At the AiP handover ceremony:
Moon-soo Cho, CEO of Hankuk Carbon
Tomoaki Takahira, Director and Chief of Design, Nihon Shipyard
Masaki Matsunaga, Executive Vice President, ClassNK
Nihon Shipyard, established in 2021 through a collaboration between Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United, specializes in commercial ship design. Hankuk Carbon, founded in 1984, provides advanced composite materials—including carbon and glass fiber—for numerous high-tech sectors.
Supporting the Future of Clean Shipping
Approval in Principle serves as an early technical validation of new maritime technologies, helping developers prevent later regulatory rework and accelerating class certification for actual vessels. ClassNK says it will continue supporting advanced decarbonization efforts through rigorous safety assessments.
Read More: Hydrogen-powered Ships: Where We Are, Why it Matters, and How to Scale the Clean-fuel Voyage
