Hanjin, GTT and DNV GL have signed an agreement to jointly investigate and to develop a gas fuelled large container vessel concept equipped with membrane fuel tanks. The project partners presented the Joint Development Project (JDP) as part of the DNV GL Forum at SMM 2014 in Hamburg, the world’s leading maritime trade fair.
The JDP partners will work together to develop a concept for sailing long distances on LNG by using technologies which are either well proven technologies (containment for LNG as cargo) or already deployed in the market (dual fuel low speed two stroke engines) and the associated systems.
The concept study focusses on a 16300 TEU Container vessel designed by Hanjin Shipyard, sailing from Asia to Europe. Such a profile would mean that the vessel has to pass, at least in Europe, through a Sulfur Emission Control Area (SECA), and therefore comply with the upcoming emission limitations related to sulfur.
The evaluated vessel would be equipped with a dual fuel two stroke engine and two membrane tanks with a total LNG capacity of 11000 m3, which is sufficient for approx. 15000 nm. The tank size could be adjusted depending on the operating profile of the vessel and in particular the expected sailing time / distance in ECA / SECA areas.
The JDP focuses on the LNG fuelling system, consisting of the bunker station, LNG fuel tanks, gas preparation and fuel supply systems. Hanjin is designing the key components of the LNG supply system; GTT is responsible for the integration of the fuel containment system; while DNV GL provides design review, hazard identification and, upon the successful completion of the project, approval in principle of the design. The Assessment of the safety performance of the gas supply system and the integration of the tank system will be the key aspects of DNV GL contribution to this cooperation.
In addition to the technical aspects of this project the economic feasibility will also be evaluated, based on DNV GL’s LNG Ready Step 1 procedure. This procedure includes the evaluation of the LNG tank location and range in gas mode based on the ship’s operational profile, the outline of the necessary requirements for an LNG-ready or LNG-fuelled design and the overview of LNG availability in relevant locations.
Press Release, September 10, 2014; Image: DNV GL