France-based Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), designer of membrane containment systems for the maritime transportation and storage of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), has signed through its U.S. subsidiary GTT North America an agreement with Conrad Shipyard, Morgan City (LA, the U.S.A.) for the future production of LNG membrane tanks using the GTT’s technology.
The signing of an agreement initiates the process of training and preparing Conrad Shipyard to offer GTT’s membrane containment technologies for LNG storage, transportation, and fuel tanks.
Earlier in the year, Conrad and Bristol Harbor Group International (BHGI), a naval architecture and marine engineering firm, developed a concept design for a 4,200m3 LNG bunker barge, adapting BHGI’s 35,000 bbl, oil barge platform technology to include two LNG cargo tanks fitted with GTT’s proprietary Mark III Flex Containment System technology.
GTT also received five AIPs (Approval in Principle) for transportation of liquefied gases other than LNG. GTT’s existing technologies have been enhanced to transport liquid gases other than LNG, including, ethane, ethylene, propane, butane and propylene.
The membrane technology has long been a preferred choice in the LNG shipping market, and it has also been a viable solution for GTT Cargo Containment Systems on Very Large Ethane Carriers.
“These five AIPs awarded to GTT’s, proven membrane technology and the recent order of six ethane carriers (VLECs) using this technology are major steps forward in demonstrating the suitability of the GTT membrane systems for transportation of multiple types of cryogenic gases in their liquid state,” said Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT.