LNG-fuelled VLCC receives AIP from DNV GL

DNV GL has announced that it has presented an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate to Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd (DSIC) for its new LNG-fuelled very large crude carrier (VLCC) design. The vessel was found to be in line with the new IGF code.

Torgeir Sterri, the DNV GL Vice President and Regional Manager in Greater China, said: “This AIP is another step toward the more widespread adoption of LNG as a fuel for shipping.

“The emissions and efficiency benefits of LNG mean it is almost sure to become an important part of the fuel mix over the next few years. We have seen its adoption in many sectors already and now with this AIP, the world’s first for a VLCC, this major shipping sector could see its first LNG-fuelled vessel soon.”

The Deputy Technical Director of DSIC, Guan Yinghua, added: “At DSIC we adhere to the principles of innovation, security, environmental protection and economic product concepts,” said Guan Yinghua, Deputy Technical Director of DSIC. “DSIC will continuously concentrate on the innovation research of clean energy, ship efficiency and emission reduction, keeping ahead of green ships development in the future.”

The design includes type C fuel tanks, which are located on the open deck and minimise the impact on the vessel layout and lead to the cargo capacity being the same as a conventional design. LNG fuel tanks also enable to vessel to perform a roundtrip from the Middle East to the US without the need to refuel.

The dual fuel design offers improved flexibility in bunkering operations.

The vessel also meets the International Maritime Organization (IMO) NO_X Tier III requirements in full gas mode. In this mode, the vessel also achieves a 30% reduction factor to comply with Phase 3 of EEDI regulations.

The DNV GL Project Manager and ship type expert for LNG as fuel, Deng Ling, said: “In 2010, DNV GL developed the LNG-fuelled VLCC concept, Triality.

“With DSIC’s design and the AIP we have now seen the next step, a version which can now be put into the market. We are very proud to have been selected to work with DSIC on this project and look forward to seeing this eco-friendly design being welcomed by the industry.”

Edited from press release by David Rowlands

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/01122015/lng-fuelled-vlcc-receives-aip-from-dnv-gl-1701/