ClassNK validates decarbonization potential of dual-fuel LPG/ammonia carrier newbuild

The Japanese classification society ClassNK has examined the operational and environmental performance of a recently delivered dual-fuel liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)/ammonia carrier, seeking to confirm whether the unit can ‘successfully’ contribute to green transition efforts.

As disclosed, the society evaluated the newbuilding christened Crystal Odyssey under the “Zero-emission Accelerating Ship Finance” program, jointly operated by ClassNK and the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), which provided financing to the unit’s owner, Kumiai Navigation.

Kumiai Navigation, which is a Singapore-based wholly owned subsidiary of Japanese shipowner Kumiai Senpaku, received the LPG/ammonia carrier in June 2025 from shipbuilder Sakaide Works of Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI).

According to ClassNK, under the program, the scoring model of which is based on the notions of “decarbonization, environmentally friendly performance, and innovativeness”, several factors were considered during the ship’s evaluation:

• The use of LPG fuel is projected to slash carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by around 15% compared to the use of conventional fuel oil;
• The vessel is engineered and partially equipped to utilize ammonia as fuel in the future (ammonia-ready);
• The fitting of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a selective