French technological containment specialist Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) has obtained five approvals in principle (AiPs) for advancements in its Mark III multifuel-ready membrane containment system and the new 200,000 cubic meter (cbm) LNG carrier concept.
The approvals were issued by classification societies ABS, Bureau Veritas (BV), and Lloyd’s Register (LR) during the Gastech 2024 exhibition in Houston, Texas.
Three AiPs are related to the use of ammonia and methanol as alternative fuels for LNG-powered ships equipped with the Mark III systems.
Specifically, ABS and BV granted two ‘ammonia-ready’ certifications, confirming the viability of using ammonia as an alternative fuel. The ‘methanol-ready’ certification, issued by ABS, is said to offer flexibility for the adoption of methanol in line with market needs.
LR and BV awarded the remaining two approvals for GTT’s new 200,000 cbm LNG carrier concept, specifically designed for slow steaming navigation.
The design integrates three cargo tanks instead of four, allowing for the same quantity of LNG to be delivered annually while reducing fuel consumption thanks to a lower optimized cruising speed, GTT explained.
The three-tank design also allows a lower boil-off rate than the standard 174,000 cbm design and shortens construction times at the shipyard.
With reduced capital and operational costs, this solution is expected to enable shipowners to decrease unit transport costs by approximately 5% and CO2 emissions by around 20%.