JIP partners ready LNG-fueled Newcastlemax design

The joint industry project looking into the commercial potential and technical feasibility of LNG-fueled bulkers in iron ore and coal trade between Australia and China presented the Newcastlemax design.

DNV GL on Thursday said the LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax design which is in the process of receiving approval in principle (AiP).

Partners in the Green Corridor JIP are BHP, Fortescue, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Rio Tinto, SDARI, U-Ming, Woodside and DNV GL.

Chinese ship designer SDARI developed the design of the 210,000-dwt Newcastlemax bulk carrier based on their Green Dolphin design.

Dual fuel engines were decided upon by the JIP partners, as this is a mature technology with multiple suppliers offering solutions, and the dual fuel design providing operational redundancy.

Based on fuel consumption analyses an LNG fuel tank size of approximately 6000 cubic meters was found to be optimal, with bunkering in Australia for the round-trip, DNV GL said.

The two LNG fuel tanks will be placed directly above the engine room and submerged a few meters below the main deck. This design offers protection for the fuel tanks, enhances fire protection, and does not reduce the cargo carrying capacity, even for volumetric cargoes such as coal.

“An important part of the JIP was conducting the financial feasibility study for the design,” said Mike Utsler, Woodside COO.

According to a joint statement that confirmed the commercial potential and technical feasibility of LNG-fuelled bulkers, the design has now been developed to a stage where it is ready to serve as the outline specification for newbuilding orders in 2017.