LR gives AiP for Hyundai Mipo’s LNG bunkering vessel

A design from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for a 6,600 m3 LNG bunker vessel has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register.

The design will be capable of supplying both small scale requirements and the current maximum expected requirements for large ships trading worldwide, according to a statement by LR.

“Compliant with the requirements of the revised IGC Code, the design incorporates two cylindrical type ‘C’ tanks, reliquefaction plant, and a new loading arm,” the statement said.

Chang-hyun Yoon, EVP of HMD Initial Planning Division said the South Korean shipbuilder has invested in developing the “wide variety of gas ship designs” to respond quickly to the market demand.

“For this reason, we have prepared three prototype 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,” he added.

The 6,600 m3 bunkering vessel is designed to have two cylindrical tanks and no-bulbous bow shape while the 15,000 m3 has three bi-lobe tanks and bulbous bow.

Leo Karistios, Gas Technology Manager, LR, commented: “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.”

Chang-hyun Yoon added that HMD has also developed small scale LNG carriers ranging from 10,000 m3 to 30,000 m3 as an alternative to conventional LNG carriers which are “not appropriate for short voyages and small LNG terminals.”