DNV GL awards MOL and SHI approval in principle for LNG-powered, ultra-large container ship design
At the Gastech 2017 exhibition and conference in Tokyo, DNV GL presented Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) with an approval in principle (AIP) for the design of a series of four LNG-fuelled 20,000 TEU container ships, which have been under construction. The vessels were designed in anticipation of using LNG as a fuel, to account for environmental regulations targeting emissions to air that will take effect in the years to come.
“This AIP is another step toward the more widespread adoption of LNG as a fuel for shipping,” said Tommy Bjørnsen, Regional Manager Korea and Japan, DNV GL – Maritime. “The emissions and efficiency benefits of LNG mean it is almost sure to become an important part of the fuel mix over the next few years.”
At the construction stage, MOL and SHI developed a basic plan targeting vessels in service, performance evaluation, compliance with new regulations, and risk assessment and completed the basic design in March 2017. The new design characteristics feature an optimal retrofit plan for vessels in service, a suitable LNG fuel tank layout and design for ultra-large container ships (ULCS), a suitable LNG fuel supply system to ensure maximum engine power output for ULCS, and dual-fuel engine systems that allow the use of either LNG or conventional fuel oil. A LNG bunkering system for the vessels has not been established yet, but is expected in the near future.
As part of the cooperation DNV GL was also commissioned by MOL and SHI to facilitate a Hazard Identification (HAZID) workshop for the fuel gas supply system (FGSS) and LNG bunkering operations of the LNG ready container ship. After HAZID, the gas fuel system was assessed by DNV GL and found to comply with current classification rules.
