DNV GL approves GTT, Technolog’s exoskeleton LNG tanks

The classification society DNV GL awarded a general approval for ship application for the retrofit of a very large container vessel with exoskeleton membrane LNG tanks to a partnership between GTT and Technolog.

The exoskeleton concept offered by GTT, and developed in partnership with Technolog, consists of a structure that can be pre-built on the dock and then installed as a complete unit in the hull of the vessel, DNV GL said adding LNG membrane tanks will offer more efficient space utilization for cargo storage and as fuel tanks.

This retrofit process reduces the construction time of the ship at the yard and eliminates the necessity to go into dry dock.

The solution has been developed for VLCVs with a capacity of 14,000 to 18,000 TEU enabling shipowners switching to LNG as a ship fuel to comply with incoming restrictions on the use of high sulphurs fuels.

A General Approval for Ship Application (GASA) is a full approval of the technology under consideration, according to the DNV GL Rules for Classification, which examines a typical installation of the technology in a vessel.