The world's first ultra-large crude oil vessel applying innovative decarbonization technology has been recognized in principle by the Italian classification society

Recently, the world's first ultra-large crude oil carrier (VLCC) powered by innovative propulsion units and liquefied natural gas (LNG)/hydrogen (H2) fuel, developed by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co.
, Ltd.
, a subsidiary of China Shipbuilding Group Co.
, Ltd.
, was awarded the AiP certificate
by the Italian Classification Society (RINA).

The reporter learned that based on the implementation of the national dual carbon strategy and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction strategy, Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has developed a new concept ship that can not only achieve the purpose of reducing carbon dioxide emissions of ships, but also meet more stringent emission standards in the future, providing practical solutions
for leading global low-carbon and zero-carbon shipping.

In the process of developing this ship type, Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding found that the carbon dioxide emissions of ships are closely related
to the propulsion power of ships by virtue of many experiences gained from improving the ship energy efficiency design index (EEDI), existing ship energy efficiency index (EEXI), carbon intensity index (CII) and other technical means.
Therefore, the research and development of this ship type by Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding focuses on the feasibility of further reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the method of reducing the propulsion power of the ship
.

Schematic diagram of the main propeller mode of the rotary paddle

This type uses the form of a counter-rotor (CRP) as the main propulsion method
.
The so-called counter-rotor, that is, 1 main propeller + 1 pod thruster, the main propeller is driven by a diesel engine, and the pod is propelled
by electricity.
According to the CFD analysis results, the propulsion efficiency of the rotary propeller is increased by about
6% compared with the conventional single propeller propulsion.

Schematic diagram of hydrogen production by methane recombination

It is reported that in order to provide the power load required for the pod thruster, the ship model adopts the technical scheme
of methane recombination hydrogen production and hydrogen fuel cell.
LNG is combined with steam in a steam reformer, the LNG molecules are broken down into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, which is then used directly to fuel internal combustion engines and fuel cells
.
Pre-combustion carbon capture technology captures carbon atoms directly from LNG molecules and separates carbon dioxide from the reforming gas stream at low temperatures, rather than from internal combustion engine exhaust, which can both reduce the size of on-board processing units and effectively reduce carbon emissions
by using ship-filled LNG fuel and hydrogen fuel produced on board.
It is understood that compared with the 2008 level, the carbon dioxide emission reduction effect of the ship type has reached more than 70%, which meets the IMO 2050 target requirements
.

The development of the ship type was led by Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and completed in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute of Marine Science (MARIN), the Liberian Flag State, Wärtsilä, ABB, Metacon AB Energy Technologies subsidiaries Helbio and RINA
.
The research and development of this ship type includes a number of innovative technologies, forming an independent decarbonization technology route of Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, which can be applied in stages and gradually for
different stages of decarbonization goals.