The Maritime Executive reports that China’s new design concept for an LNG tanker would be the world’s largest. They write:
China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding is presenting a new design concept for the world’s largest LNG carrier, created both to increase capacity as well as enhance operating efficiency. The design, which received Approval in Principle (AiP) from many of the leading class societies, comes as LNG transport is in high demand and producers such as Qatar and the U.S. are undertaking major expansions.
Qatar is adding its North Field to increase production which is also contributing to the record orderbook for new carriers. In the United States, several new export terminals are planned for the Gulf Coast. In addition, other U.S. facilities are expanding output to meet the growing import demand both from China and Europe.
The largest LNG carriers are Qatar’s Q-Max vessels which have a capacity of 266,000 cbm. Most of the vessels being built today are the conventional LNG carrier which has a capacity of 174,000 cbm. These have been viewed to be the most economical and versatile to operate and with the most effective gas containment and management systems. […]
The vessel’s design also incorporates other elements not normally found on LNG carriers. ABS highlights a hull stress monitoring system and anti-collision technology. Other features that DNV is highlighting include air lubrication for the hull and a shaft generator. The design also incorporates selective catalytic reduction (SCR) that should reduce its nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which will help the vessel comply with IMO Tier III controls even when in diesel mode.
Hudong-Zhonghua reports the ships will be dual-fuel to address emissions concerns. With a goal of creating a ship that is more efficient and economical, they are saying the new Global Max 271k type will have a 23 percent lower carbon intensity index (CII) than the conventional 174K LNG carrier widely deployed in the industry today.
The design will now undergo additional design and analysis work. Then the shipbuilder plans to present it to shipowners as a new option for LNG transport.
Read more here.
Also read, China’s Shipbuilding Goes After LNG Tankers & U.S. vs. China: China Has Over Two Hundred Times the Ship Building Compacity
