Two new LNG carriers ordered by MOL

The first vessel is of 164,700m³ capacity, scheduled for delivery in 2016, and based on a new design from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, built to suit the expanded Panama Canal dimensions, while maintaining a hull size allowing it to call at major LNG terminals worldwide.

The second ship is to MHI’s ‘Sayaendo’ design, of 155,300m³ tank capacity. It will feature a continuous cover over its four Moss-type spherical tanks. The cover is integrated with the ship’s hull, achieving weight reduction for increased fuel efficiency, while maintaining overall hull rigidity. Delivery is scheduled for 2017.

Both vessels will be chartered to the Kansai Electric Power, and will adopt a new steam turbine engine that reuses steam for heating. An advanced heat insulation system is said to offerthe lowest LNG vaporisation rate – 0.08% – of any LNG carrier, and to effectively control surplus boil-off gas.