LR approves Oshima’s flexible low-carbon bulk carrier

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for its multi-fuel-ready Ultramax bulk carrier design.

The AiP covers a 64,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) concept designed for multiple future fuels, including ammonia, methanol and methane (LNG), with provisions for onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS).

The approval was formally presented at Oshima Shipbuilding’s headquarters in Japan on 23 January 2026.

Oshima’s flexible approach allows shipowners to defer final fuel choices while protecting asset value and operational relevance over the vessel’s lifetime.

LR reviewed the design, under its ShipRight Risk-Based Certification framework, assessing the safety, feasibility and integration of the fuel and carbon capture systems.

This independent scrutiny provides assurance that the concept can move toward detailed design and eventual construction.

READ: LR leads global centre advancing smart and green shipping

Sung-Gu Park, North East Asia President at 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. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Oshima Shipbuilding and working together to help accelerate the safe and scalable adoption of next generation technologies across the global fleet.”

Dr Junichi Man, Managing Director of Oshima Shipbuilding, stated: “We are honoured to receive this approval from Lloyd’s Register for our multi-ready vessel concept. 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 (OCCS), our concept offers a practical and future-ready solution. This AiP 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. We sincerely appreciate their support.”

The AiP reinforces the long-standing collaboration between LR and Oshima Shipbuilding and highlights the role of early-stage assurance in accelerating the adoption of next-generation maritime technologies.

Recently, the UK launched the Maritime Nuclear Consortium, led by Lloyd’s Register, to develop global standards for the safe and commercially viable use of nuclear power in shipping.