LNG-fuelled large boxship study launched

The partners will work together to develop a concept for sailing long distances on LNG by using technologies and systems which are either well proven technologies (containment for LNG as cargo) or already deployed in the market (dual fuel low speed two stroke engines).

The concept study focusses on a 16,300teu container ship to a design by Hanjin Shipyard, intended for operation between Asia and Europe. As part of this operating profile, the ship would enter an ECA and therefore comply with the upcoming sulphur emission limits. The proposed design would be of about 397m length oa, 56.1m beam, and with design draught of 14.5m.

A dual fuel ME-GI two stroke engine would be used, and the ship would have two membrane tanks with a total LNG capacity of 11,000m3, sufficient for a range of about 15,000 naut miles. The tank size could be adjusted depending on the operating profile of the vessel and in particular the expected time spent and distance covered in ECAs.

The project will focus on the LNG fuelling system, consisting of the bunker station, LNG fuel tanks, gas preparation and fuel supply systems. Hanjin is designing the key components of the LNG supply system; GTT is responsible for the integration of the fuel containment system; while DNV GL is providing design review, hazard identification and, upon the successful completion of the project, approval in principle of the design. Key aspect’s of DNV GL’s contribution will include assessment of the safety performance of the gas supply system and integration of the tank system.

In addition to the technical aspects of this project the economic feasibility will also be evaluated, based on DNV GL’s LNG Ready Step 1 procedure. This procedure includes the evaluation of the LNG tank location and range in gas mode based on the ship’s operational profile, the outline of the necessary requirements for an LNG-ready or LNG-fuelled design and the overview of LNG availability in relevant locations.