Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) on Thursday (8 January) said it has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates to two ammonia-fuelled vessel designs jointly developed by CIMC Ocean Engineering Design & Research Institute Co Ltd (ORIC) and Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard Co Ltd. (Changhong International).
The certified designs include an ECO-159,000 DWT ammonia dual-fuel crude oil tanker and a 21,700 TEU ammonia-fuelled ultra-large container ship, supporting scalable solutions for deep-sea shipping decarbonisation.
The two vessel designs address long-term decarbonisation requirements and provide a solid technical basis for future commercial construction.
The ECO-159,000 DWT ammonia dual-fuel crude oil tanker is designed as a next-generation green Suezmax solution for long-haul crude oil transport. Based on a technical pathway combining zero-carbon fuel and wind-assisted propulsion, the design integrates advanced propulsion systems, intelligent control, and an optimised hull form.
The vessel is equipped with a latest-generation ammonia-fuelled main engine and two large Type C ammonia fuel tanks arranged on the main deck, targeting ultra-low to zero well-to-wake emissions. Fuel system arrangements are developed in line with the IGF Code and relevant classification guidelines to ensure safe application.
The 21,700 TEU ammonia-fuelled ultra-large container ship is designed to support the green transition of global mainline container shipping. Based on the principles of zero-carbon fuel readiness, high energy efficiency, and full route adaptability, the design integrates advanced propulsion technologies, optimized hull and layout solutions, and intelligent systems, offering a forward-looking and practical zero-carbon container vessel concept.
In addition, BV completed three-dimensional (3D) classification approval for the 21,700 TEU container ship design developed by ORIC, contributing to the exploration of 3D-based classification approaches for ultra-large vessels.
The AIP certifications further strengthen cooperation between BV, ORIC, and Changhong International in advancing ammonia-fuelled ship design and supporting the maritime industry’s transition toward low- and zero-carbon shipping.
Photo credit: Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
Published: 12 January, 2026
