FKAB designs LNG feeder carrier

The FKAB L2 is a 16,500 m3 LNG vessel design primarily for regional distribution of LNG. In combination with the FKAB L1 design, presented in June 2009, the FKAB L2 design is FKAB’s contribution to the development of an efficient and sustainable sea-based regional and local distribution system for LNG.

In 2006 the Swedish naval architect firm FKAB, based in Uddevalla, identified LNG as an interesting and realistic alternative to conventional fuels on ships. Since then the company has closely monitored the development and spent significant resources in the development of various designs using LNG as fuel as well as designs used in the supply chain of LNG for ships.

The 7,300 DWT FKAB L2-design is tailor-made for regional distribution of LNG. The gas is stored in three insulated cargo tanks of bilobe type, classified by IMO as “Independent Type C”. They have spherical heads and a design pressure of 4.1 bars. Each tank is equipped with two 300 m3/h submerged deep well pumps for easy discharging.

The vessel’s main fuel is boil-off gas and re-gasified LNG from the cargo tanks which will reduce fuel cost when operating the vessel. To improve performance, the L2 is designed to be as energy efficient as possible thanks to a number of special features including a slender hull measuring 158.4m long and 24m wide and a heat recovery system. These measures not only reduce costs further but will also reduce the environmental footprint of the vessel. To maintain flexibility and for emergency use, the 5,520 kW main engine is of dual fuel type and the vessel will have a 200 m3 MGO bunker fuel tank. Service speed is estimated at 15.2 knots.

The vessel will be DNV classed and have an ice strengthened double hull.