The Norwegian-German classification society DNV has issued South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) with an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design of a 60,000-m³ vessel.
The project, for which the DNV AiP was presented at the Gastech trade fair, is for an “LPG/NH3/VCM” tanker. The design is intended to meet the growing demand for medium gas carriers (MGC) and is in line with the industry trend towards larger ships, according to a DNV press release. It is also intended to take into account stricter environmental regulations and the expected increase in the transportation volume of LPG and ammonia.
The ship is said to retain the operational characteristics of existing MGCs, but has a double-hull structure for improved collision stability. “In addition, the innovative hull deck design increases the cargo volume and thus increases the transportation capacity,” the class society emphasised.
DNV tests stability and structural suitability of the gas tanker
Key point of the design: With specifications similar to MGCs but with the cargo capacity of Large Gas Carriers (LGCs), this vessel could call at ports designed for MGCs, which would improve operational efficiency. “The optimised hull design also enables the vessel to achieve higher fuel efficiency than existing LGCs, offering significant CAPEX and OPEX benefits.”
Vidar Dolonen, DNV Regional Manager Korea & Japan, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with HMD to realise this advanced gas carrier. HMD’s commitment to developing new technologies and DNV’s experience in improving safety and regulatory compliance have resulted in a design that is tailored to the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
DNV had reviewed the vessel’s stability and structural suitability and awarded it an AiP.
