AIP granted to Brevik gas containment system

ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to a new gas containment system designed by Brevik Technology.

The containment system uses a series of independent, cylindrical IMO Type-B tanks and was designed for application in a gas carrier of 30 000 m³.

International requirements

In granting the AIP, ABS assessed the concept against the requirements of the International Gas Code, ABS Rules and the ABS Guide for Liquefied Gas Carriers with Independent Tanks. Since the tank design is a novel concept, a HAZID study was also performed.

Commenting on the decision, ABS President and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki, said: “Once again, ABS is showing leadership in gas handling and transport, a field where we have half a century’s experience supporting innovation. Designers are increasingly looking to extend the gas carrier concept into new trades, serving new markets and ABS Approval in Principle is a stepping stone in making this possible.”

Tank concept approval

The AIP marks the initial approval for the tank concept and could be followed by a general design approval upon completion of a vessel’s detailed design. Final approval would involve a vessel-specific shipbuilding project.

“ABS has completed more than a dozen assessments on new concepts in gas containment in recent years,” explained Yung Shin, Head of the Containment System Group, ABS Corporate Technology. “Our focus during the AIP process was on assessing the system’s compliance with the intent of ABS Rules and other applicable standards, including strength of the tank, its support structure and its interaction with the hull.”

Lowering costs

Brevik Technology created the tank design with the intention of lowering the cost of construction for LNG and LPG carriers, while providing a solution for the small scale transport of gas.

Øystein Kristoffersen Sæther, Managing Director, Vard Engineering Brevik, added: “In creating the design, it was emphasised that no thermal induced forces were transferred from the ship to the tank and vice versa due to temperature variations. The use of a cylindrical tank also means that the potential for damage from sloshing is low.”

Brevik is in discussions with shipowners and yards for a vessel design concept including the Type B tank, which it estimates could be between 15 – 20% less expensive to construct than a membrane containment system for a ship of this size.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/16062015/abs-grants-aip-to-brevik-gas-system-877/