Mitsubishi holds christening ceremony for next-generation LNG carrier

The Diamond Gas Sakura is the third ‘Sayaringo STaGE’ type vessel for the two companies – the newest model of LNG carrier featuring significantly improved carrying capacity and fuel performance due to the adoption of a more efficient hull structure and hybrid propulsion system. After completion and handover this May, the carrier will join the first two ships – the Diamond Gas Orchid and Diamond Gas Rose – in transporting LNG for the Cameron LNG Project.

This latest carrier is 293.5 m long, 48.94 m wide, and 27.0 m deep, with a draft of 11.05 m. It’s deadweight tonnage is approximately 73 800 t, with a total tank holding capacity of 165 000 m³. According to the statement, the vessel was launched on 15 September last year. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding received the order for the new vessel through MI LNG Co. Ltd – a joint venture for the design and sale of LNG carriers established by MHI and Imabari Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. Construction was managed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Structure Co. Ltd., an MHI Group company based in Nagasaki.

The Sayaringo STaGE is a successor to the ‘Sayaendo’ – a vessel that was held in high regard for its reliable and innovatively refined MOSS-type spherical tanks. The use of apple-shaped tanks allows for greater LNG carrying capacity without increases to the ship's beam, while the hybrid propulsion system further improves fuel efficiency over the previous model.

STaGE, an acronym derived from ‘steam turbine and gas engines’, is a hybrid propulsion system that combines a steam turbine and gas-fired engines. Mitsubishi claims that effective utilisation of waste heat from the engines for the steam turbine provides a substantial improvement in plant efficiency, allowing for high-efficiency navigation in both low and high-speed areas.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/24042019/mitsubishi-holds-christening-ceremony-for-next-generation-lng-carrier/