Hyundai Mipo LNG bunker vessel design approved

The vessel will be able to serve vessels of sizes up to 20,000 teu, the upper limit for ships currently trading globally. The 119m long design incorporates two cylindrical type ‘C’ tanks, a 1,000 kg/h reliquefaction plant, a new loading arm and a combination of thrusters and flap rudders to offer high manoeuvrability. The IGC Code-compliant design is available in both single and twin screw configurations.

Chang-hyun Yoon, executive vice president of HMD Initial Planning Division explained: “We have prepared three prototypes of 6,600m3 (single or twin screw) and 15,000m3 dual-fuelled bunkering vessels targeting operation in Zeebrugge small LNG terminal in order to develop a global market for the LNG bunkering business.”

The 5,400dwt, 6,600m3 design features two cylindrical tanks and no-bulbous bow shape, while the 15,000 m3 vessel has three bi-lobe tanks and bulbous bow.

Chang-hyun added: “Because large scale LNG carriers are not appropriate for short voyages and small LNG terminals, small scale carriers could be considered as an alternative. This vessel carries LNG mainly, and other liquefied gases such as ethylene, ethane, LPG and chemical cargoes could be transported when there is little demand for LNG cargo.”