Smallest LNG carrier order

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) says it has received an order for the world?s smallest LNG carrier. The order, for a 2,500m3 capacity vessel, was placed by Japan?s Corporation for Advanced Transport & Technology (CATT) and Shinwa Chemical Tanker. The carrier will have two independent cargo tanks based on KHI?s pressure build-up design – the first time this design has been used. The Type C horizontally-laid aluminium alloy tanks can withstand pressures up to 3kg/cm2 at a temperature of -163OC. KHI will build the cargo tanks and cargo handling equipment. It has outsourced hull construction to Higaki Shipbuilding. The design is targeted at shipowners transporting small quantities of LNG over relatively short distances. The vessel will operate in the Japanese coastal trade. It is scheduled for delivery in August 2003.