DNV GL to class Royal Caribbean’s LNG-fueled liners

The Finnish Meyer Turku shipyard and DNV GL have signed a contract for the classification of Royal Caribbean International’s new LNG-fueled ICON Class vessels.

The contract covers two vessels with delivery scheduled for 2022 and 2024, the classification society said in a statement.

The details of the design for the ICON Class vessels support Royal Caribbean’s aim to reduce the ships’ environmental impact.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is envisioned as the primary fuel for the new vessels, DNV GL said, adding that the ICON Class will also use fuel cell technology.

The final concept for the first vessel is currently being discussed, and the concept design phase is expected to start this spring.

The initial building phase of the first ship will begin next year, with keel laying planned for October 2019.