LR approves HHI’s dual-fuel VLCC design

Classification society Lloyd’s Register has awarded Hyundai Heavy Industries with an approval in principle (AiP) for a very large crude carrier (VLCC) design. 

The vessels would be capable of using a combination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) mixed with LNG as fuel and Norsepower’s rotor sail solution for wind-assisted propulsion, LR said in its statement.

This development was the result of a joint development project (JDP) collaboration between HHI, LR and Norsepower, the statement reads.

The VOC recovery system was developed by HHI and will allow the VLCC to use fuel produced from naturally-occurring vapor from the cargo tank during operation.

It was confirmed that Norsepower’s rotor sail solution has the potential of providing 5-7 percent fuel savings, dependent on operating routes.

LR facilitated a hazard and operability (HAZOP) workshop for the LNG fuel supply system and associated technology in accordance with its ShipRight Procedure for Risk-Based Designs. The concept design has been examined in conjunction with the result of the HAZOP.

This AiP demonstrates the potential for reducing emissions in ship designs, by combining VOC recovery and LNG in a dual-fuel system with the addition of rotor sails, to help the shipping industry address the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.