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LR, HHI and HMD to produce STS LNG bunkering compatibility study

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LNG Industry,


Lloyd’s Register (LR) has announced that it has signed a joint development project (JDP) with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) to produce a ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering compatibility study. This will review the design requirements between 6.6K LNG bunkering vessels and 14K TEU LNG-fuelled containerships with the aim of verifying safe STS LNG bunkering operations.

The study follows LR’s previous work on LNG-fuelled vessel projects with HHI, and LNG bunkering vessels with HMD. It will aim to help provide stakeholders with interest in LNG as fuel with a clear picture of possible options for LNG supply infrastructure.

The JDP’s main aim is to look into the practicality of the LNG supply model by STS between the typical size of 6.6K LNG bunkering ships and ultra-large container ships (ULCS). These designs have been reviewed and developed based on the LNG-fuelled system. Accordingly, LR claims that the study will evaluate the right direction for LNG supply infrastructure.

LR has already created a checklist for LNG bunkering vessel and LNG receiving vessel design for the JDP, providing an overview of the risks involved in STS LNG bunkering operations. It also suggests design aspects that are not covered by legislation, but can be useful in understanding the characteristics of both LNG-fuelled vessels and LNG bunkering vessels at the design stage.

The checklist also provides HMD and HHI with the opportunity to review their design not only by mandatory rule requirements, but also by the prospective guidelines in order to identify scope for further improvements in their design in line with their vessels’ operating profiles.

Jin-Tae Lee, Ph.D, LR’s Korea Chief Representative & Marine Manager: “Following recent developments in major ports towards a cleaner shipping industry, stakeholders will show interest in the advantages of LNG as fuel. However, the uncertainty associated with LNG supply infrastructure is still an influential factor in determining the profitability of a LNG-fuelled vessel. Stakeholders need to have a clear understanding of the benefits and challenges. Our Busan Technical Support Office, led by Vincent Rees, is fully prepared to assist our clients in LNG related projects from the concept design phase to the verification phase, which will be tailored to meet the individual clients’ needs.”

Chang-hyun Yoon, EVP of HMD Initial Planning Division added: “After having developed LNG bunkering ships with LR, we are expecting to comprehensively review our design in order to identify the key points for further improvements suited for the clients’ interests and demands through this JDP, thus trying to mitigate or minimise any potential issues which the operators can encounter during real operational situations.”

Byeong-Rok Lee, Senior Vice President, Head of Initial Design Office, HHI, said: “As we take a profound interest in developing the design for LNG-fuelled ships with workability and functionality which is best suited for actual operational situation, we expect that these studies will help mature the design for LNG-fuelled ULCS.”

Following the ULCS study completion, LR, HMD and HHI are planning to expand the study for other types of vessel, including very large crude carriers and Suezmax ships.

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/06092016/lr-hhi-and-hmd-to-produce-sts-lng-bunkering-compatibility-study-3009/

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