HMD’s LNG Bunkering Vessel Gets LR Clearance

International classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued an approval of principle (AiP) for Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) design for 6,600 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessel based on Zeebrugge LNG terminal requirements that could supply LNG to 20,000 TEU containerships.

Compliant with the requirements of the revised International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code), the design incorporates two cylindrical type ‘C’ tanks, reliquefaction plant, a new and sophisticated loading arm and high manoeuvrability for safe operations. The design is available in both single and twin screw with different propeller options, according to LR.

” (…) we have prepared three prototypes of 6,600 m3 (single or twin screw) and 15,000 m3 Class Dual Fuelled LNG Bunkering vessels targeting to operate in Zeebrugge small LNG terminal for LNG fuel in order to develop a global market for the LNG bunkering business,’ Chang-hyun Yoon, EVP of HMD Initial Planning Division said.

Both 6,600 m3 and 15,000 m3 bunkering vessels are fully compliant with NOx Tier III at gas mode, and equipped with one set of re-liquefaction plant (1,000 kg/h), gas combustion unit and different combination of thrusters, flap rudder for better sea-keeping ability at rough sea.

The 6,600 m3 LNG bunkering vessel has a deadweight of 5,400 and features a length of 119 meters and a width of 19.4 meters.

“We are at the start of the LNG bunkering era. The industry is developing technical solutions to support commercial and regulatory requirements. No-one knows at what speed the commercial take-up of gas fuelled shipping will now proceed but concrete technical progress is being made.’ Leo Karistios, LR Gas Technology Manager commented.

Yoon also added that HMD has developed small-scale LNG carriers ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 cubic meters as an alternative to large-scale LNG carriers that are not appropriate for short voyages and small LNG terminals. This vessel mainly carries LNG but other liquefied gases such as ethylene, ethane, LPG and chemical cargoes could be transported as well.

“As LNG-fuelled shipping develops we need to make sure that the risks are being addressed from the very start,” Luis Benito, LR’s Innovation Director, Marine & Offshore, concluded.