Mitsubishi Heavy books LNG double

Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) said it has received two orders for the “Sayaringo STaGE,” a next-generation liquefied natural gas carrier.

One LNG carrier each will be delivered to two JVs which Chubu Electric Power has established with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line).

The Sayaringo STaGE features a new design that achieves improvements in both LNG carrying capacity and fuel efficiency through the adoption of a more efficient hull structure and a hybrid propulsion system, according to a statement by MHI.

Both vessels on order are scheduled for completion and delivery in 2018. They will be put into service for transporting shale gas produced in North America, mainly carrying the gas from the Freeport LNG project, an initiative in which Chubu Electric is participating.

The two orders for the Sayaringo STaGE LNG carrier were received through MI LNG Company, a joint venture between MHI and Imabari Shipbuilding.

The vessels will be constructed at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works.  They will have total lenght of 297.5m, width of 48.94m, depth of 27.0m and draft of 11.5m.

Each carrier comes with four apple-shaped tanks, an improved version of Moss-type tanks designed with a bulging upper half. Total holding capacity of the tanks will be 180,000 cubic meters. The adoption of a tank cover integrated with the hull structure, developed by MHI with support from Aker Arctic Technology Inc.

The adoption of a tank cover integrated with the hull structure, developed by MHI with support from Aker Arctic Technology, enables a lighter vessel while fully retaining overall structural strength, according to the statement.

The Sayaringo STaGE has a width allowing for passage through the newly expanding Panama Canal that is expected to go into service early in 2016.

The LNG carriers on order feature a hybrid propulsion system dubbed “STaGE” (Steam Turbine and Gas Engines).

Plant efficiency has been improved through the effective use of the engine’s waste heat for steam turbine, resulting in a propulsion system enabling high-efficiency navigation throughout a full range of speeds, MHI said.

Effective October 1. MHI said it will launch a wholly owned ship construction company and transfer all operations in the construction of large-scale commercial ships in the Nagasaki district to the new entity. Through this

Through this initiative its shipbuilding structure will be transformed to focus into the construction of gas carriers.

Image: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries