On 5 September 2023 classification society DNV granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate to Hudong-Zhonghua’s new design of a 271,000cbm LNG carrier, making it the largest vessel of its kind in the world.
On the inaugural day of Gastech 2023, held in Singapore, DNV’s global Business Director Gas Carriers & FSRU, Martin Cartwright, presented the AiP certificate to Song Wei, Chief Technical Officer of Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding Company Limited (Hudong-Zhonghua), for the new design of a 271,000cbm LNG carrier. It is part of a joint development project between both organizations.
The AiP demonstrates that Hudong-Zhonghua can build such ships and offers shipowners an innovative concept to transport LNG more economically and efficiently.
Martin Cartwright said: “While DNV fully supports our customers in this highly competitive segment, the AiP represents Hudong-Zhonghua’s ability to create a cutting-edge design for the largest LNG carriers.”
The new LNG carrier design is 344m long, has a breadth (moulded) of 53.6m and has five cargo tanks.
Further features include energy saving solutions such as an air lubrication system (ALS) and shaft generator, a cargo tank design with sloshing monitoring, as well as advanced anti-collision system.
Despite its size, the vessel would be able to berth at more than 70 LNG terminals along the main trade route.
