Hudong-Zhonghua LNG Carrier Approved by ABS
Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) September 4 said its has awarded an approval in principle (AIP) to Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua’s new LNG carrier design.
The AIP to Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding’s 174,000m3 GTT Mark III Flex LNG carrier strengthens their position as China’s premier LNG Shipbuilder, ABS said. “ABS is pleased to award Hudong-Zhonhua this AIP for their design to help meet the industry’s diversifying LNG shipping requirements, in this growing segment,” said ABS vice president Europe regional business development Vassilios Kroustallis: “ABS continues to review advanced LNG designs, drawing on our extensive experience in safe handling, storage and transport of gas.”
Through this partnership with ABS, Hudong-Zhonghua can now offer its clients designs using both GTT membrane containment systems, MARK III Flex and NO 96 series, ABS said, adding this allows Hudong-Zhonghua to use different kinds of cargo containment systems to best meet their clients' diversified requirements throughout the LNG carrier’s life.
Shanghai-headquartered Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding is a wholly owned subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the largest shipbuilding group in China.
While ABS has approved the Chinese shipbuilder's new LNG carrier design, rival Paris-based firm Bureau Veritas was contracted ten months ago to provide classification for nine new LNG-fuelled containerships that Hudong-Zhonghua will build for French shipowner CMA CGM.
ABS vice president for Europe business development Vassilios Kroustallis (left) with Hudong-Zhonghua vice president Chi Benbing (Photo credit: ABS)