Tag: ClassNK

ClassNK announced that its register topped 230 million gross tons for the first time at the end November 2013

ClassNK Executive Vice President Mr. Koichi Fujiwara on the left and Mr. Brian T. Holden, president of USMRC on the right. The United States Maritime Resource Center (USMRC) in Middletown, Rhode Island and ClassNK, based in Tokyo, Japan, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) laying out a framework for future technical cooperation to carry out joint research and development activities for the maritime industry. This will mark the first time a major ship classification society has teamed with a prominent marine operations simulation center engaged in specialized training and research in North America. “Our goal is to support the safety of ships from not only from the technological point of view, but also the human factor perspective. The need for qualified seafarers who are familiar with the latest maritime technology is essential for the sustainable development of the shipping industry,” said ClassNK Executive Vice President Koichi Fujiwara. “USMRC not only has the specialized knowledge to address these issues, but also has rich experience in maritime training. I am sure that this collaboration will greatly contribute to the future maritime education and training in the world.”   Added USMRC President Brian Holden: “We are truly honored and enthusiastic ...

Reducing the time and cost of designing vessels in accordance with the new IACS ClassNK and NAPA have announced a new joint project to reduce the time and cost of designing vessels in accordance with the new IACS harmonised Common Structural Rules. The new project will enhance the data linkage between ClassNK's PrimeShip-HULL(HCSR) design support software with NAPA's 3D model based integrated design software NAPA Steel greatly improving the efficiency of the ship design process and reducing the cost of designing vessels in accordance with the new rules.Adopted in 2013, the IACS harmonised CSR will be applied to all tankers over 150m and all bulk carriers over 90m contracted after 1 July 2015. The harmonised CSR brings new requirements for more comprehensive structural analysis at the design stage, including FEM analyses covering the entire range of cargo hold structures, as well as new formulae for buckling, fatigue, and residual strength criteria to enhance safety and reliability. However, these new requirements also greatly increase the overall time needed for vessel design.In order to help reduce the burden of the new rules on ship designers, ClassNK released PrimeShip-HULL (HCSR), a multi-functional vessel design support tool that makes it easy for yards and ...

ClassNK Launches Technical Reviews on the Web

ClassNK has granted approval to the design of the new 28AHX-DF dual-fuel engine developed by Niigata Power Systems. The new engine is slated to be used as the main engine on a new LNG-fuelled tugboat being built by Keihin Dock Co., Ltd. for NYK Line. The vessel will be Japan's first LNG fuelled vessel, excluding LNG carriers. New regulations for Emission Control Areas (ECA), including new stricter limits on sulfur emissions as well as the IMO's Tier III NOx emission limits, are driving demand for new engine and emission control technologies. The high costs associated with low sulfur fuels, and the increasing availability of LNG is driving both vessel owners and machinery manufacturers to consider the use of LNG as a vessel fuel. Niigata's 28AHX-DF is a medium-speed duel-fuel engine with a maximum rated power per cylinder of 320kW and was developed for use primarily in offshore support vessels and tugboats. The engine, which operates on both diesel fuel and LNG, will meet the strict 0.1% sulfur emissions regulations in the ECA that are set to go into effect in 2015, as well as comply with the IMO's stringent Tier III NOx emission requirements. Technologies used in the new engine ...

ClassNK-NAPA GREEN was named the IT Solutions Award at the International Bulk Journal (IBJ) Awards

ClassNK has announced the expansion of its Veracruz Office in order to better support the growing offshore oil industry in the Gulf of Mexico. The expansion will increase the survey capabilities and management of the Veracruz office in response to growing demand from the offshore sector in the region. The liberalization of Mexico’s offshore industry is driving increased interest in Mexico’s growing offshore sector. Over the past year, a number of major vessel operators have increased the size of their fleets in the region to take advantage of new exploration and production opportunities. ClassNK is expanding its operations in the region to support these efforts. The expansion, which took effect on 1 November 2014, will increase the survey and management authority of the Veracruz Office, while increasing its survey and support capabilities. As part of the expansion, current Veracruz Office Manager Mr. Emilio Reyes Galindo has been promoted to General Manager of the expanded office. Founded in 2004, ClassNK’s Veracruz Office is one of 11 ClassNK offices in North America, and one of three of the society’s offices that supports vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. While the Veracruz Office has traditionally provided classification and certification services to the ocean ...

The first chemical tanker to use a combination of duplex stainless steel and stainless clad steel in the construction of its cargo tanks was successfully delivered to Hiro Naviera

ClassNK has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to a new H2/CO2 FPSO (floating production, storage and offloading) to a new design developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Chiyoda Corporation. FPSO are commonly used in the offshore oil and gas industry process and store crude oil and liquefied gas from offshore wells until it can be transported via pipelines to shore or via ship-to-ship transfer. This new concept H2/CO2 FPSO, however, uses steam reforming and shift conversion to extract hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from the associated gas produced as a byproduct of oil well production. Due to its overwhelming environmentally-friendliness and excellent availability, there is growing interest in the use of hydrogen as a fuel, and research is ongoing around the world. The storage and transport of hydrogen continues to present a number of difficult technical challenges for industrial and commercial use. In order to address these challenges, the H2/CO2 FPSO uses a new organic chemical hydride method to convert hydrogen into highly stable methylcyclohexane (MCH), which can be stored in liquid form at an ambient temperature and pressure. As MCH can be transported in standard chemical tankers, converting hydrogen into MCH not only reduces the risks and ...

ClassNK is working on a project to develop a low-friction paint designed by tune skin which may reduce ship's fuel consumption by 7% During a shipping conference in China this week,  solutions considered for energy efficiency. Among the more inventive ideas is the paint inspired by tuna skin that ClassNK in collaboration with Nippon Paint Holdings Co. will develop. The membrane will be able to attract water into its microscopic indents, making it extremely slipper. Infused with hydro-gel, the paint can reduce as ship's fuel consumption by approx 6-7 per cent.  Britain's Lloyd's Register, is looking to fit a ship's hull with fans that blow a layer of bubbles to the vessel's bottom, helping it glide more easily through the water, thereby burning less fuel. Nippon Yusen Kaisha already operates vessels that have a similar air-lubrication system, which it says could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent. Also, other innovative ideas discussed such as the use of 3D printing for making parts which can cut the use of raw materials and allow cheaper localized manufacturing. Danish shipper Maersk Line has already invested in one such project.    In the onset, I was outspoken with you propecia before and after has changed my subsistence. ...