DNV GL approves design of the world’s first LNG-powered VLCC

DNV GL has presented Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company Limited (DSIC) with an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate for a new LNG-powered very large crude carrier (VLCC) design at the first day of the Marintec China trade fair. The new, innovative design has been found to comply with the Gas Fuelled notation as given in the DNV GL rules for the classification of ships and the recently adopted IGF Code.

“This AIP is another step toward the more widespread adoption of LNG as a fuel for shipping,” said TorgeirSterri, DNV GL Vice President and Regional Manager in Greater China. “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 shipping industry is being challenged to reduce its emissions of SOx, NOx, CO2 and particulates. To meet these challenges DSIC developed this new LNG-fuelled VLCC design. The design uses type C fuel tanks located on the open deck which minimizes the impact on the overall layout and results in cargo capacity being unchanged from the conventional design. The LNG fuel tanks give the vessel the capability of performing a round trip from the Middle East to the US without refueling.

The dual fuel design gives greater flexibility in bunkering options and with duel fuel engines, the vessel meets IMO NOx Tier III requirements in gas fuel mode. Using LNG also results in the complete elimination of particulates and SOx and a significant benefit to CO2 emissions. In gas fuel mode the design achieves a 30% reduction factor to comply with Phase 3 of the EEDI regulations.

https://www.ngvjournal.com/dnv-gl-approves-design-of-worlds-first-lng-powered-vlcc/