Lloyd’s Register has granted approval in principle (AiP) to Oshima Shipbuilding for an Ultramax bulk carrier concept designed to support multiple future fuel options, including ammonia, methanol and LNG, with space reserved for onboard carbon capture systems.

The approval applies to a 64,000-dwt bulk carrier design intended to give shipowners flexibility as fuel availability, regulation and decarbonisation pathways continue to evolve. By incorporating multiple fuel options at the design stage, the concept enables operators to defer final fuel selection while preserving long-term asset value.

The AiP was formally presented at Oshima Shipbuilding’s headquarters in Japan on 23 January. Lloyd’s Register reviewed the design under its ShipRight Risk Based Certification framework, assessing safety, technical feasibility and the integration of alternative fuel systems and onboard carbon capture and storage.

According to Lloyd’s Register, the approval provides independent assurance that the concept can advance to detailed design and potential construction, supporting confidence among shipowners, financiers and charterers.

Sung-Gu Park, North East Asia President, Lloyd’s Register, said: “The maritime industry is navigating a period of profound uncertainty as operators evaluate future fuel pathways, infrastructure development, and evolving global regulatory expectations.

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

Dr Junichi Man, Managing Director, Oshima Shipbuilding, said: “As future fuel options diversify and global regulations continue to evolve, flexibility is becoming increasingly important for shipowners. By enabling compatibility with ammonia, methanol, LNG, and onboard CO₂ capture systems, our concept offers a practical and future-ready solution.

“This approval in principle was made possible through close collaboration between our engineering team and LR’s experts, whose technical insights and rigorous risk-based assessment greatly enhanced the concept.”

The approval reinforces the long-standing relationship between Oshima Shipbuilding and Lloyd’s Register and highlights the role of early-stage design assurance as the bulk carrier segment moves towards lower- and zero-carbon operations.