Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has awarded approval in principle (AIP) certificates for five vessel projects developed by Chinese Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group), spanning LNG and ethane carriers, a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU), onboard carbon capture (OCC)-ready design and 3D classification.
The review process focused on classification aspects, including the vessels’ principal dimensions and cargo handling and cargo containment systems, with particular attention to energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and operational adaptability, ensuring the designs are compliant with international standards and BV’s Rules.
The AiPs were awarded for the newly developed P-Flex 201,000 cu m Panama-Max LNG carrier , with BV validating its performance improvements, including a 15.5% larger cargo capacity compared to classic 174,000 cu m LNG carriers and up to 5% lower energy consumption per unit of cargo transported, and the 174,000 cu m LNG FSRU, which features a dual-function design as it can operate both an FSRU and an LNG carrier (LNGC).
The key features reviewed include the propulsion system that meets the operational requirements of both modes, the use of a NO96 GW containment system that eliminates loading level restrictions during FSRU operation, environmental power generation units that achieve up to 7% reduction in fuel gas consumption, and a hybrid heating system adaptable to different seawater temperatures, offering flexible regasification capacity ranging from 750 to 1,000 MMSCFD.
Furthermore, BV gave its blessing for a new generation 150,000 cu m ultra-large ethane carrier ( ULEC ) , featuring a membrane containment system that achieves approximately 15% lower BOR compared to independent Type B tanks, is fitted with high-pressure dual-fuel engines and an SCR system, allowing fuel flexibility and lower NOx emissions, and is designed to be LNG-ready, with the hull structure and low-temperature piping systems pre-configured for potential future conversion.
Furthermore, the OCC-ready design of Hudong-Zhonghua’s 271,000 cu m LNGC secured an AiP, confirming the feasibility of integrating a future carbon capture system into the vessel design, addressing key aspects of system integration and safety compliance.
The partners also entered a joint development project (JDP) to conduct a design approval based on 3D classification for an 18,600 cu m LNG bunkering vessel, which aims to establish best practices for 3D classification fidelity and procedure approval.
“This series of approvals highlights the deep and strategic partnership between BV and Hudong-Zhonghua. It moves beyond single vessel certification to a broader collaboration on defining the future of shipping – from deploying today’s most efficient LNG solutions to tomorrow’s carbon capture and digital design technologies. We are committed to supporting our clients with the technical excellence and safety standards that enable innovation,” said Alex Gregg-Smith , President of Marine & Offshore at Bureau Veritas.