American Bureau of Shipping approved Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ new MOSS-type LNG tank design concept.
Designated as an IMO Type B independent tank, this concept takes a new approach by applying a non-spherical tank design to increase the use of space on board an LNG carrier.
According to KHI, the non-spherical design concept allows Panamax-size LNG carriers to expand their total carrying capacity to 180,000 cubic meters, a 25,000 cubic meters volume increase when compared to using spherical tanks.
In issuing its approval in principle (AIP), ABS reviewed the strength and fatigue analysis to support KHI in demonstrating the feasibility of the new concept.
“As the Panama Canal expands and LNG demand increases, owners and operators are looking to gain efficiencies without compromising safety,” KHI Ship & Offshore Company general manager for the engineering division Hideaki Naoi said.
He added that this new concept adds 15 percent more carrying capacity while maintaining the size of the new Panamax tankers.