DNV GL approves LNG-fueled VLCC design

DNV GL granted an approval in principle certificate to Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) for a new LNG-fueled very large crude carrier design. 

The new design has been found to comply with the Gas Fuelled notation as given in the DNV GL rules for the classification of ships and the recently adopted IGF Code, the classification society informed in a statement on Tuesday.

Torgeir Sterri, DNV GL Vice President and Regional Manager in Greater China said, “With this AIP, the world’s first for a VLCC, this major shipping sector could see its first LNG-fuelled vessel soon.” 

DSIC-developed LNG-fuelled VLCC design uses type C fuel tanks located on the open deck which minimizes the impact on the overall layout and results in cargo capacity being unchanged from the conventional design.

The LNG fuel tanks give the vessel the capability of performing a round trip from the Middle East to the US without refuelling, DNV GL said adding that the dual fuel design gives flexibility in bunkering options and with dual fuel engines, the vessel meets IMO NOx Tier III requirements in gas fuel mode.