Joint project for GSI’s 100,000 cbm VLAC marked with a ceremony at the Posidonia 2024 exhibition.

Lloyd’s Register  and Guangzhou Shipyard International have signed a joint development project  for the design of the world’s largest VLAC with a carrying capacity of 100,000 cbm.

The vessel will feature an independent IMO type B tank for the safe storage of ammonia which is expected to optimise the vessel’s operational efficiency.

The design was assessed according to LR’s Structural Design Assessment & prescriptive analysis and, as part of the JDP, LR provided GSI with its support as a trusted adviser during discussions about ammonia fuel applications and future gas ship developments, building upon this unique vessel design.

Nick Brown, Lloyd’s Register CEO, said: “LR is proud to work with GSI on this historic design for the world’s largest ammonia carrier. As major economies look to co-fire Ammonia in their coal power stations to reduce the CO2 footprint of their national energy mix, shipping will play a key role in distributing clean hydrogen-based commodities such as ammonia, thereby supporting nations to meet their Paris Agreement commitments.

Chen Ji, Chairman of GSI, said: “GSI has a good reputation in the market for innovation and a strong R&D ability to develop different kinds of vessels. The 100,000 cbm VLAC design was developed with input from of our long-term partners and an ammonia producer. Thanks to the trust extended by all parties, especially the support from LR, GSI has developed the largest VLAC design in the world.”