KHI delivers 177,000 m3 LNG carrier

The 82,287 dwt gas carrier uses a modified version of the Moss spherical tank solution, whereby the upper hemisphere of each tank is larger than the lower hemisphere. This increases cargo tank transport capacity, while reducing overall LNG transport costs. The LNG tanks are fitted with Kawasaki’s proprietary Panel System, which the results in an LNG boil-off rate of no more than approximately 0.08% per day. The tanks are double-bottomed and double-hulled to minimise the risk of damage to the containment tanks even in the event of damage to the carrier’s hull.

The 299.9-metre long vessel is designed to New Panamax dimensions, with a beam of 48.9 metres, and will be used to transport LNG from the Freeport LNG Project in Texas to Japan via the Panama Canal. Kawasaki has optimized the hull structure to decrease overall ship weight, enhanced the hull-shape design, and adopted a two-motor, twin-screw propulsion system to achieve the best propulsive performance possible.

The vessel features a hybrid system consisting of MHI’s proprietary, ultra-steam turbine (UST) and reduction gear, and a combination of dual-fuel diesel gensets and electric propulsion motor to increase fuel efficiency at all speeds.