Hudong-Zhonghua’s VLEC Gets AIP from ABS

U.S. classification society ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) for a new very large ethane carrier (VLEC) concept developed by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co.

“As demand for different types of liquefied gases increases, concepts like this will expand the infrastructure and enable more efficient transportation to get products to market,” ABS Vice President for Global Gas Solutions, Patrick Janssens, said.

The novel VLEC is equipped with a specialized membrane cargo containment system suited to carry liquid gas cargoes such as ethane and propane. Designed with a minimum cargo temperature of -94℃, the concept supports a low cargo boil-off rate.

Distinct features of the design include multiple cargo re-liquefaction lines to liquefy vapor gas, a powerful cargo handling system that maintains a stable tank pressure and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that supports compliance with MARPOL Tier III and USCG requirements for non-US Flag vessels operating in the U.S.

“We chose ABS because of their extensive experience in gas-related projects and their leading position in very large gas carriers,”Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Vice President Jin Yanzi said.

“We are pleased to receive this approval from ABS which validates our early design work and helps us advance this concept.”