DNV AiP for 271,000cbm LNGC at Gastech

The AiP was awarded on the opening day of Gastech 2023 in Singapore by DNV’s global Business Director Gas Carriers & FSRU, Martin Cartwright and was accepted by Song Wei, Chief Technical Officer of Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding Company Limited (Hudong-Zhonghua),

The design was the outcome of a joint development project between both organisations. The AiP demonstrates that Hudong-Zhonghua can build such ships and offers shipowners an innovative concept to transport LNG more economically and efficiently.

The new LNG carrier design is 344m long, has a breadth (moulded) of 53.6m and has five cargo tanks. Further features include energy saving solutions such as an air lubrication system (ALS) and shaft generator, a cargo tank design with sloshing monitoring, as well as advanced anti-collision system.

DNV emphasised that the LNGC would be able to berth at more than 70 LNG terminals along the main trade route, allaying fears that the increased cargo capacity may impinge on operational flexibility.

Martin Cartwright said: “While DNV fully supports our customers in this highly competitive segment, the AiP represents Hudong-Zhonghua’s ability to create a cutting-edge design for the largest LNG carriers.”

DNV’s Regional Manager Norbert Kray added, “LNG is an energy source that is becoming more important as we look to improve air quality and lower carbon emissions. DNV has been one of the leaders in maritime LNG technology for years, and I am delighted about our involvement in such an innovative project. With our global expertise and established Gas Carriers and Alternative Fuels expert team in China, we will continue to deepen our partnerships in China to help transition the maritime industry to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly.”

DNV’s AiP is based on classification rules with the following intended class notations: +1A Tanker for liquefied gas, BIS, BWM(T), Recyclable, Shaft align(1), COAT-PSPC(B), TMON(Oil lubricated), CSA(FLS1), NAUT(OC), LCS, CLEAN, E0.