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Classification Society ClassNK has granted an approval in principle (AIP) to NYK Line and Japan Marine United (JMU) for their joint project on the concept design of an LNG-fuelled bulk carrier.

The ship's design, developed by JMU and NYK, is for a 200,000-deadweight-tonne (dwt) bulk carrier.

The AIP was granted based on ClassNK's Rule Part GF, which adopts the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

Despite its added weight, including the LNG-fuelled tank and LNG fuel supply system, the vessel is said to provide more cargo hold capacity.

Hayato Suga, ClassNK's Corporate Officer and Director of Technical Solution Department, said: "The design developed by NYK and JMU meets the industry's demand for an increase in cargo capacity while also being environmentally friendly. As a classification society, we have confirmed the safety of the design and are very happy to be involved with this innovative project."