LR, JDP Partners to Design New LNG-Fueled VLCC

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has signed an agreement with several companies for a joint development project (JDP) to design an LNG-fueled very large crude carrier (VLCC).

The agreement was inked with China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), CNOOC Gas and Power Group, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. (DSIC), and GazTransport and Technigaz SA (GTT).

As explained, the JDP will evaluate design options for an LNG-powered VLCC that uses a prismatic GTT Mark III membrane LNG tank.

The scope of the JDP includes reviewing solutions to minimize construction costs for LNG-fueled ships, while ensuring operational flexibility and efficiency, with the location of tanks as well as tank sizes to allow for round trip voyages under consideration.

LR said it would conduct a risk assessment and review the design in accordance with the latest regulatory requirements and ensure it meets LR’s rules to issue an approval in principle.

“With serials of new technology development projects such as sail-assisted VLCC, intelligent VLCC and LNG-fuelled VLCC R&D etc, CMES is taking the positive response together with other participating units in the implementation of the international ecological and environmental protection,” Wang Yongxin, President – CMES, said, adding that this shows the fulfillment of social responsibilities to accelerate the application of green technologies to merchant ships.

“Considering round trip LNG fuel capacity will allow a shipowner to bunker at the cheapest location. Implementing GTT’s Mark III tank for a dual-fuel VLCC will combine endurance with full cargo capacity,” Adnan Ezzarhouni, General Manager of GTT China, explained.

“With the global marine industry looking towards carbon reduction and ultimately decarbonisation, this JDP marks an important milestone in the journey that the industry is now taking,” Mark Darley, LR’s North Asia President, commented.

“Through this JDP we look forward to jointly working with the key stakeholders in this innovative development proposed to bring technological advancements to the industry.”