Japanese JV Receives Next Generation Carrier
Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) July 3 said it has classed the world’s first Sayaringo STaGE next generation LNG carrier, which introduces significant improvements in both LNG-carrying capacity and fuel performance.
ABS-classed Diamond Gas Orchid has been delivered to Diamond LNG Shipping, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK). “With newly designed cargo tanks and a hybrid propulsion, this next generation carrier can carry more LNG and minimize fuel costs,” said ABS chief business development officer, Jamie Smith.
Ordered by Diamond LNG Shipping through MI LNG Company, constructed by Nagasaki-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Structure and delivered by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, the carrier introduces significant improvements in both LNG-carrying capacity and fuel performance by incorporating a more efficient hull structure and an innovative hybrid propulsion system, ABS said. The vessel is intended for operation in Louisiana, transporting LNG for the Cameron LNG project.
“The Diamond Gas Orchid features the latest in marine innovation with its optimized transport capacity, fuel efficiency and environmental performance,” said ABS vice president for Japan, Akira Akiyama. “Working closely with all of the stakeholders throughout the project, we were able to help Diamond LNG Shipping demonstrate the viability of the concept and develop a highly efficient and innovative vessel.”
The Diamond Gas Orchid has a continuous steel cover that reduces ship weight and air resistance while increasing LNG-carrying capacity. STaGE, an acronym derived from "Steam Turbine and Gas Engines," is a hybrid propulsion system combining a steam turbine and engines fired by gas. Efficient use of the engines' waste heat in the steam turbine results in substantial improvement in plant efficiency, enabling high-efficiency navigation throughout a full range of speeds, ABS said.
Banner image: ABS-classed next generation carrier Diamond Gas Orchid (Courtesy ABS)