Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI) has received two orders for the ‘Sayaringo STaGE’ LNG carrier. The LNG carriers will be delivered to two joint ventures (JVs) that Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc. has established with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), respectively.
The orders were received through MI LNG Company Ltd, a joint venture between MHI and Imabari Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.
These are entirely new LNG gas carriers, featuring new improvements with respect to the LNG carrying capacity, fuel efficiency and the ergonomic design of the hull. Each Sayaringo STaGE LNG carrier will feature four apple-shaped tanks with a total holding capacity of 180 000 m3 each. They will also feature a tank cover – designed by MHI and Aker Arctic Technology Inc. – which is integrated into the actual hull structure, creating an overall lighter vessel. In addition to this, an inventive hybrid propulsion system has been adopted by the new LNG carrier.
The sleek design will allow the Sayaringo STaGE to pass through the Panama Canal when it has been expanded in 2016.
Both vessels on order are scheduled for completion and delivery in 2018. It is expected that the LNG carriers will mainly carry gas from the Freeport LNG project, US.
Edited from press release by David Rowlands