Concept study for large LNG containership

Source Company of Master Mariners of Australia vom 18.12.2011

CLASSIFICATION society Germanischer Lloyd (GL) and Japanese shipbuilder IHI Marine United Inc (IHIMU) have signed an agreement to investigate and develop solutions for large LNG-fuelled containerships. GL and IHIMU will work together on a concept study for a 13,000-TEU ship fuelled by LNG. "IHIMU shares GL's assumption that LNG will be a key technology for addressing the challenges the maritime industry faces in terms of reducing emission to the air and reducing its contribution to global climate change," said Pierre Sames, GL senior vice president and head of strategic research and development in a statement from LNG Solutions. The study will focus on the eFuture 13000C, a LNG-fuelled 13,000-TEU ship concept design first launched by IHIMU in 2010. IHIMU claims the eFuture 13000C design boasts a 30 per cent reduction in environmental impact and fuel consumption compared with conventional ships and features a twin-skeg (two-keel) hull and high-capacity batteries to store energy generated by solar panels. The new joint development project will focus on the LNG fuelling system, consisting of the bunker station, tanks, gas preparation and gas lines. IHIMU will design the key structures of the system with GL providing design review, hazard identification and upon the successful completion of the project, approval in principle of the design. Assessment of the safety performance of the gas supply system will be the key aspect of GL's contribution to the project.