DNV Clears LNG-Fuelled Containership Design

At the recently concluded Gastech 2017, ship classification firm DNV GL gave an in-principle approval to shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and future owner Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) for the design of four LNG-fuelled large container ships, which have been under construction.

The vessels were designed in anticipation of using LNG as a fuel, to account for environmental regulations targeting emissions to air that will take effect in the years to come, DNV announced April 7. Each has capacity for 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TUE) containers.

Approval in principle handover to MOL and SHI at Gastech (Credit: DNV GL)

DNV GL regional manager maritime for Korea and Japan, Tommy Bjornsen, said the approval is another step toward more widespread adoption of LNG as a bunker fuel: “The emissions and efficiency benefits of LNG mean it is almost sure to become an important part of the fuel mix over the next few years.”

At the construction stage, MOL and SHI developed a basic plan and completed the basic design in March 2017. The new design characteristics feature an optimal retrofit plan for vessels in service, a suitable LNG fuel tank layout and design for ultra-large container ships (ULCS), a suitable LNG fuel supply system and dual-fuel engine systems that allow the use of either LNG or conventional fuel oil. A LNG bunkering system for the vessels has not been established yet, but is expected in the near future, DNV added.

Currently, at least two LNG-fuelled containerships are in service worldwide operated by US shipowner Tote Maritime, while a handful of others have been ordered by other shipowners with designs approved by either DNV GL or the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Shardul Sharma