With interest in LNG as a marine fuel increasing, class society DNV GL has issued an approval in principle (AiP) to Norway-based ShipInox AS for a new small-scale LNG carrier/bunker vessel concept based on an OSV design.
While conceived as a 92-m newbuild with a capacity of 6,000 m3 of LNG, ShipInox chief executive Rune Østbøe told Offshore Support Journal the firm’s design would be suitable for other size vessels and for existing OSVs as well. Mr Østbøe said ShipInox is optimising its engineering and cost factors for converting existing OSVs.
ShipInox’s concept vessel will be equipped with a prismatic cargo containment tank, with capacities from 5,000 to 8,000 m3 and LNG dual-fuel engines.
Mr Østbøe said developing the design was challenging. “Not only DNV GL and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA), but a diverse range of companies spanning Innovation Norway, to the LNG-specialists at Torgy, and Fearnleys have all enabled us to deliver on this design. We are now in a position where we can help to accelerate entries into small-scale LNG with this fast-to-market and low-cost LNG carrier.”
DNV GL’s most recent forecast predicts that by 2050 over 20% of total shipping energy will be provided by LNG. In the shorter term, with the IMO 0.5% global sulphur cap entering into force on 1 January 2020, the combination of technical maturity, efficiency, availability and emissions reduction means LNG is a viable option for many vessels, especially newbuilding projects.
DNV GL senior vice president maritime Trond Hodne, said, “This design could be a viable option for owners looking to move into different segments in a challenging market, especially as the gas segment continues to gain importance in shipping.”
An AiP is an independent assessment of a concept within an agreed framework, confirming that the design is feasible and no significant obstacles exist to prevent the concept from being realised. The AiP is typically carried out at an early stage of a project to confirm its feasibility towards the project team itself, company management, external investors or future regulators.
Norwegian Maritime Authority senior surveyor Karolina Lundgren said, “Our strong focus on green shipping and fuel development and our experience in handling novel designs make us an asset in projects that challenge the standard set-up.” Ms Lundgren said it was important for Shiplnox to involve NMA early in the process. “For future developments, it is a great advantage that the most problematic issues have been carefully considered both by Shiplnox and DNV GL and the need for alternative designs has already been identified,” she said.
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