Exoskeleton membrane fuel tank to ease LNG retrofits

The solution aims to take advantage of the better space utilisation of membrane tanks – both for cargo and for the fuel tanks themselves – and the convenience of the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton frame can be prebuilt on the dock and then installed as a complete unit in the hull of the vessel, cutting construction cost and eliminating the need for a drydocking.

The partners have received a general approval for ship application (GASA) statement from class society DNV GL. Philippe Berterottière, chairman and CEO, GTT, said: “The GASA approval issued by DNV GL is very important for us, as it shows that the new solution can be ordered and retrofitted today. It will allow interested shipowners to get ahead of the IMO’s 2020 Global Sulphur Cap regulations, giving customers and charterers greater certainty as we head to this significant regulatory change.”

Hans-Jürgen Voigt, shareholder and managing director, Technolog, added: “This is a milestone for cost-effective LNG retrofit and newbuilding solutions for larger vessels. With the introduction of LNG as ship fuel there are immediate benefits to ship owners related to a reduced carbon dioxide footprint (EEDI) as well as all other harmful exhaust emissions.”