ClassNK has issued Approval in Principle (AIP) for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel that has been designed to improve the efficiency of such vessels.
Designed by Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd., the vessel employs type-C bi-lobe tanks, improving cargo capacity to allow for greater efficiency and productivity. The rising interest in LNG as a marine fuel has been widely spread, but the actual utilisation is often challenged by lack of infrastructure as they are largely dependent on existing infrastructure comprised mainly of fixed bunker locations.
This design was developed to provide greater flexibility through ship-to-shore bunkering. The AIP allows the design to be considered for further individual projects, where tests on the hull structure scantling and direct stress analyses will be carried out to ensure the structural integrity of each specific design is in line with class rules and the International Code for the construction and equipment of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk (IGC Code).
The AIP was granted after confirming the design complies with ClassNK’s Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships.
Cha-Soo Lee, Technical Director of Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd. commented: “When we are commissioned to develop an LNG bunkering vessel concept by clients we face a much wider array of challenges, such as compact ship’s dimensions, robust hull structure, more cargo capacity, simple operation and lower ship’s price etc. We are happy to find the best compromise between economic and technical issues through this joint research with ClassNK.”
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