Lloyd’s Register approves Oshima multi-fuel Ultramax design

Lloyd’s Register awarded Approval in Principle to Oshima Shipbuilding for its multi-fuel-ready Ultramax bulk carrier design. The approval covers a 64,000 dwt bulk carrier concept developed to accommodate multiple future fuel pathways.

The design supports ammonia, methanol, and methane (LNG) fuels. It also includes provision for onboard carbon capture and storage. LR formally presented the approval at Oshima Shipbuilding’s headquarters in Japan on January 23, 2026.

Oshima’s multi-ready approach enables shipowners to defer final fuel decisions. The strategy safeguards asset value and operational relevance over the vessel’s lifetime.

Comprehensive Technical Review

LR conducted a comprehensive technical review of the design. The classification society used its ShipRight Risk Based Certification framework for the assessment. The process evaluated the safety, feasibility, and integration of the proposed fuel and carbon capture arrangements.

The review provides independent assurance the concept can progress toward detailed design and potential construction.

Sung-Gu Park, North East Asia President at Lloyd’s Register, said the maritime industry is navigating profound uncertainty. “Operators evaluate future fuel pathways, infrastructure development, and evolving global regulatory expectations,” he stated.

Park noted Oshima’s approach embeds flexibility for ammonia, methanol, LNG, and onboard carbon capture from the outset. “This provides shipowners with a practical and future resilient solution as they plan their decarbonisation strategies,” he said.

LR looks forward to continuing its partnership with Oshima Shipbuilding. The organizations will work together to accelerate the safe and scalable adoption of next-generation technologies across the global fleet.

Flexibility Addresses Market Uncertainty

Dr. Junichi Man, Managing Director of Oshima Shipbuilding, said the company was honored to receive the approval. “As future fuel options diversify and global regulations continue to evolve, flexibility is becoming increasingly important for shipowners,” he stated.

The concept enables compatibility with ammonia, methanol, LNG, and onboard CO₂ capture systems. Man described it as a practical and future-ready solution.

Close collaboration between Oshima’s engineering team and LR’s experts made the AiP possible. “Their technical insights and rigorous risk-based assessment greatly enhanced the concept,” Man said. He expressed sincere appreciation for their support.

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