DNV GL has awarded GTT North America (GTT NA) Approval in Principle (AIP) for the design of a LNG bunker barge.
The 2200 m3 LNG bunker barge incorporates GTT’s membrane Cargo Containment System (CCS), which is utilised in roughly 70% of the global LNG carrier fleet and nearly 90% of LNG carrier projects on order.
Aziz Bamik, GTT NA General Manager, said: “This Approval in Principle from DNV GL, the world’s largest class society and well known developer of technology enabling LNG as fuel for short sea shipping, is a major step forward in demonstrating the suitability of the GTT membrane systems for LNG storage and transportation within North American waters. The robust and highly competitive GTT solutions for the North American market complement the on-going price quotation with local shipyards.”
Tony Teo, DNV GL’s Houston-based Technology and Business Director, added: “The GTT membrane system […] allows for better volumetric efficiency, which is a concern for ship types where sacrificing revenue-earning space for bunker is often a show-stopper.”
The CCS selected for the LNG bunker barge is GTT’s proprietary Mark III Flex system, an enhancement of the Mark III system that allows for improved thermal and structural performance of the CCS. The Mark III membrane CCS consists of a cryogenic liner directly supported by the vessel’s inner hull, which allows for maximum volumetric utilisation of the available cargo space. This liner is composed of a primary metallic membrane fastened atop a prefabricated insulation panel that includes a complete secondary membrane.
GTT North America (GTT NA) is the US subsidiary of French engineering and technology company GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz SA).
Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly