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Oshima receives AIP for carrier design

LNG Industry,


Oshima Shipbuilding Co. has received an Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV GL for an LNG-fuelled Kamsarmax bulk carrier.

The new design complies with DNV GL class rules, as well as all current and upcoming regulations, including new emission control regulations and the draft IGF Code for fuel with a low flashpoint.

“LNG is emerging in a number of ship sectors and has great potential. We were very pleased to work on this innovative design with Oshima. It offers customers a flexible, safe, future-proof solution and the opportunity to almost eliminate SOx emissions and particulate matter, cut NOx by 80% with EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculating) and reduce CO2,” explained Morten Løvstad, DNV GL Bulk Carrier Business Director.

U-shaped superstructure

As space on deck is limited on a bulk carrier, the design changes the ship’s superstructure to a U-shape that can accommodate the LNG tank in its centre. This approach allows the accommodation deck house to be separated from the LNG storage tank. A tank cover adds an additional safety barrier and ensures compliance with the draft IGF Code. The bunkering stations for LNG, heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine diesel oil are located at the side of the accommodation deck house.

Tatsurou Iwashita, Director and General Manager of the Design Department at Oshima, noted: “One of the main factors for shipowners and operators considering the use of LNG as ship fuel is the space required to store LNG on board. But as a result of our changes to the superstructure, our design does not reduce the vessel’s cargo capacity. Combined with its dual-fuel capabilities, this should make the design very attractive for charterers, especially for trade routes where the LNG fuel price is competitive to HFO and substantially cheaper than marine gas oil (MGO).”

Dual-fuel capabilities

The Kamsarmax vessel is designed for dual-fuel operation, using both LNG and HFO to power the main engine, the generators and the boiler. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries supported the LNG handling system through to receiving AIP. Oshima’s latest Panamax/Kamsarmax hull design provided the basis for the vessel’s shape.

“Taking all relevant factors into account, we found that a LNG-fuelled Kamsarmax bulk carrier, which only uses LNG in Emission Control Areas, would require 500 – 700 m3 of LNG and one bunkering operation for a round trip between Europe and North America. If it were powered with LNG for the entire voyage, it would require 2000 – 2500 m3 of LNG,” Løvstad concluded.


Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/04062015/dnv-gl-awards-aip-for-carrier-design-897/

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