DNV GL concludes risk assessment for methanol carriers with flex fuel engines
DNV GL has conducted a risk assessment “hazard identification study (HAZID)” on a series of three methanol-fuelled tankers for owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and shipyard Minami Nippon Shipbuilding in Japan. As these are the vessels with a flex fuelled low speed diesel engine using methanol and/or heavy fuel oil, DNV GL was asked to participate in the project for its expertise in the low flash point fuel including methanol and LNG, the DNV GL press release said.
The new vessels will be built to NK class and chartered to Waterfront Shipping Company (WFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Methanex Corporation. Sister vessels are being built to DNV GL class by a shipyard in Korea. The vessels will also be chartered to WFS.
Methanol is a low SOx fuel that is gaining interest due to its availability, cost and technical feasibility. Methanol has many advantages as a fuel, but as is the case with all fuels, it also has hazards that must be managed, such as toxicity and flammability.
The new ships must meet the requirements of the IMO Interim Guideline MSC 285(86). DNV GL views that all safety considerations must be reassessed because using the methanol in a ship engine for propulsion is a new step forward for the maritime industry where people have long experience of handling the particular substance as cargo.
DNV GL has extensive experience of handling low flashpoint liquid cargos on chemical tankers and offshore supply vessels and 15 years’ experience of handling alternative fuels on gas-fuelled ships. A year ago, DNV GL was the very first class society to introduce rules for low flashpoint maritime fuel. This HAZID process has proven to be very productive and will go towards building industry-wide expertise in this promising new fuel.
About DNV GL
Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organisations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification and technical assurance services along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. We also provide certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our 16,000 professionals are dedicated to helping our customers make the world safer, smarter and greener. DNV GL - Maritime Advisory helps customers to mobilise the full potential of their assets and operations. We offer technical and management support and assist customers in managing risk. Examples are energy management services, regulatory and compliance advisory services, concept development services and technical due diligences.
About Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. is a global shipping company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company's main area of operations is international shipping.
About Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is a shipbuilder which has a primary factory in Oita, Japan. The company has built and delivered 21 high quality methanol and chemical tankers which operates worldwide.
About Waterfront Shipping
Waterfront Shipping operates the largest methanol ocean tanker fleet in the world with its fleet comprising vessels from 3,000 to 49,000 dwt. Its fleet of 18 modern, deep sea tankers delivers products to major international markets in North America, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
About Methanex Corporation
Methanex is a Vancouver-based, publicly traded company and is the world's largest supplier of methanol to major international markets. Methanex shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada under the trading symbol "MX"; and on the NASDAQ Global Market in the United States under the trading symbol "MEOH".
