JMU Wins Two LNG Carriers

Tokyo LNG Tanker Co. Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of Tokyo Gas, has signed today a shipbuilding contract with Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) for the construction of two LNG vessels (165,000m3 tank capacity).

The two LNG vessels scheduled to be delivered in 2017 will be employed for transporting LNG mainly from U.S. Cove Point Project. The vessels are designed to transit the expanded Panama Canal.

Ship management of the vessels will be done by MOL and NYK respectively, in accordance with the 20-year time charter agreement.

The vessels’ containment system is self-supporting prismatic-shape IMO type B (SPB), which is a Japanese technology developed by IHI Corporation and JMU. This containment system enables to maximize utilization of the space inside the hull and free designing of the shape of hull for the best fuel consumption.

The SPB system has been adopted for LNG vessels for the first time in 24 years (building year base), and it is the first time for Tokyo LNG Tanker to order LNG vessel with SPB tanks. The vessels will be the world’s largest LNG vessels with SPB tanks.

To comply with the U.S. emission control regulations within coastal area of the U.S., the vessels will be equipped with Tri Fuel Diesel Electric (TFDE) propulsion system allowing the use low-sulfur oil or gas. The vessels are also designed with the world’s lowest boil-off rate (0.08%/day), and combination with TFDE propulsion will show excellent fuel consumption and eco-friendly performance.

Tokyo Gas Group will aim to diversify and increase suppliers, and decrease material costs, by owning and operating its LNG vessels pro actively. When delivered, the number of LNG vessels in Tokyo LNG Tanker fleet will reach twelve.

[mappress]
Press Release, February 28, 2014