BV Grants AIP Certification to Three Innovative GSI Vessel Designs Advancing Green Shipping

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) certificates to Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for three advanced vessel designs, supporting the development and commercialization of innovative, low-carbon ship technologies. The certified designs address key decarbonization pathways and specialized transport segments, reflecting GSI’s continued innovation in green propulsion and purpose-built vessels, supported by BV’s technical expertise in the assessment of novel ship concepts.

One of the certified designs is a methanol dual-fuel luxury ro-ro passenger ship designed for short-sea international operations in the Mediterranean. The vessel accommodates up to 2,498 passengers and 202 crew members, with a service speed of 23.8 knots. Methanol is used as the primary fuel, supported by a methanol fuel supply system independently developed by GSI, enabling compliance with IMO EEDI Phase 3 requirements. Photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage are also incorporated to enable zero-emission operations while in port. BV assessed the vessel’s compliance and technical feasibility in accordance with passenger ro-ro safety standards and green fuel regulations, providing a robust technical basis for further development.



BV also granted AIP certification to a 15,000 m³ liquid carbon dioxide carrier featuring four independent Type C cargo tanks and capable of transporting both CO₂ and LPG. The vessel supports conventional fuel operation as well as green methanol dual-fuel propulsion, with a methanol storage capacity of 1,000 m³. Main engine fuel consumption is approximately 18.1 tons per day in conventional mode and about 34.4 tons per day in methanol mode, positioning the design as an innovative solution supporting carbon capture and utilization value chains. BV’s review focused on cargo containment systems, fuel system safety, and compliance with requirements for low-temperature cargo carriers and alternative fuels, ensuring high standards of safety and environmental performance.



The third certified design is a 25,000 m² zero-carbon livestock carrier, representing the world’s largest dedicated vessel of its kind. The design complies with BV rules as well as Australia’s MO43 requirements and features optimized space utilization providing up to 25,000 m² of livestock enclosure area. The vessel has a maximum speed of 19.2 knots and sufficient range to serve major global livestock trade routes. Propulsion is based on LNG dual-fuel engines combined with wind-assisted propulsion, with optional methanol- and ammonia-fueled configurations available to further reduce emissions and enable zero-carbon operations. BV brings extensive experience in the classification of livestock carriers, and this project integrates the specific safety, space, and welfare requirements of livestock transport with advanced green propulsion certification.

The AIP certifications further strengthen the collaboration between BV and GSI in advancing innovative ship design and regulatory compliance, contributing practical and scalable solutions to the global maritime industry’s sustainable transition.