Approval in principle for LNG fuelled VLOC
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) received the AiP from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for the design after Anangel, Woodside, LR and HHI commenced a joint development project (JDP) last year to develop this LNG-fuelled 250,000 dwt VLOC design optimised for the trade route from North West Australia to North Asia, based on the XDF engine.
The JDP’s main objective is to achieve the lowest practical incremental capital and operating costs to help LNG as a fuel compete against other post-2020 compliance options for bulk carriers.
LNG focus
During the development of the design, Anangel as the ship owner and operator provided practical advice on the design concept from its extensive fleet operation experience.
Woodside as the LNG supplier provided information on the outlook for LNG bunkering infrastructure in the region and outlook for LNG against other fuels.
LR facilitated the high-level hazard identification (HAZID) in order to identify the major hazards and verify the safety of the vessel design while HHI completed the optimised design of the VLOC with the LNG-fuelled system.
Just recently, all JDP members have undertaken an in-depth economic evaluation of the LNG-fuelled system against a wide range of ultra-low sulphur marine fuel oil prices to assess the competitiveness of LNG-fuelled bulk carriers.
The parties are now discussing the potential for a further phase of the JDP, including additional partners, in order to increase the feasibility and attractiveness of LNG as a fuel through new technologies, reduced capital cost and increased operating efficiency.
