ABS Gives AIP to Hudong-Zhonghua’s GTT MARK III Flex LNG Carrier Design

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) granted approval in principle (AIP) to Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding’s large LNG carrier with MARK III Flex membrane cargo containment system.

Specifically, the Chinese shipbuilder received the approval for its 174,000 cbm GTT MARK III Flex design.

“ABS is pleased to award Hudong-Zhonhua this AIP for their design to help meet the industry’s diversifying LNG shipping requirements, in this growing segment,” Vassilios Kroustallis, Vice President Europe Regional Business Development, ABS, commented.

He added that the classification society continues to review advanced LNG designs.

“Working with ABS through the AIP process we have demonstrated our ability to meet our clients’ requirements for more efficient LNG vessel design,” Chi Benbing, Vice President, Hudong-Zhonghua, said.

Through this partnership with ABS, Hudong-Zhonghua can now offer its clients designs using both GTT membrane containment systems, MARK III Flex and NO 96 series.

This allows the Chinese shipbuilder to use different kinds of cargo containment systems to best meet diversified requirements throughout the LNG carrier’s life.

In December last year, Hudong-Zhonghua also received AIP from ABS for its very large ethane carrier (VLEC) concept. The VLEC is equipped with a specialized membrane cargo containment system suited to carry liquid gas cargoes such as ethane and propane.