GTT and SWS get nod for LNG dual-fuel VLCC design

Ship designers have been looking more to the VLCC market lately when designing LNG dual-fuel vessels.

PHOTO: VLCC on the water. GTT

French containment system builder GTT and Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard (SWS) have won approval in principle (AiP) from classification society Bureau Veritas for the design of an LNG dual-fuel very large crude carrier (VLCC).

The VLCC has a 10,000 cbm-capacity fuel tank that can allow it to do roundtrip voyages between the Middle East, Asia and Europe after being bunkered with a single LNG bunker stem.

The approval is part of a joint development programme that was started by SWS and Bureau Veritas in May 2022.

LNG has been widely promoted as a near-term alternative fuel for shipowners to cut emissions. Despite being viewed as a lower-carbon fuel option, LNG-fuelled vessels emit only about 25% less CO2 than those running on oil-based marine fuels. Methane slip remains a key concern as uncombusted methane has about 86 times higher global warming potential than CO2 over a 20-year period.

In February, the world’s first LNG dual-fuel VLCC was delivered in China to shipping company COSCO.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online