LR Approval for LNG bunkering vessels
10th June 2016
An HMD design for 6,600m3 vessel based on Zeebrugge LNG terminal requirements has received approval in principle (AiP) through Lloyds Register’s Busan Technical Support Office
The design from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for the LNG bunker vessel will be capable of supplying both small scale requirements and the current maximum expected requirements for large ships trading worldwide.
The design incorporates two cylindrical type ‘C’ tanks, reliquefaction plant, a new and sophisticated loading arm and high manoeuvrability for safe operations. The design is available in both single and twin screw with different propeller options.
A video clip for LNG bunkering operation is available at http://www.hmd.co.kr/english/03/01_3_10.php
Chang-hyun Yoon, EVP of HMD Initial Planning Division said: ‘We have invested in developing the wide variety of gas ship design not only to respond quickly to the market demand and but also to lead the market. For this reason, we have prepared three prototype of 6,600m3 (single or twin screw) and 15,000m3 Class Dual Fuelled LNG Bunkering vessels targeting to operate in Zeebrugge small LNG terminal for LNG fuel in order to develop a global market for the LNG bunkering business.’
The 6,600m3 bunkering vessel is designed to have two cylindrical tanks and no-bulbous bow shape while the 15,000m3 has three bi-lobe tanks and bulbous bow.
Both 6,600 m3 and 15,000 m3 bunkering vessels are fully compliant with NOx Tier III at gas mode, and equipped with one set of re-liquefaction plant (1,000 kg/h), gas combustion unit and different combination of thrusters, flap rudder for better sea-keeping ability at rough sea.
Because large scale LNG carriers are not appropriate for short voyages and small LNG terminals, small scale carriers could be considered as an alternative.
The new vessel carries liquefied natural gas (LNG) mainly, and also other liquefied gases such as ethylene, ethane, LPG and chemical cargoes could be transported when there is little demand for LNG cargo as owner’s option.
