LR, SDC jointly develop space-saving concept for methanol-fuelled vessels

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) and German shipyard SDC Ship Design and Consult (SDC) have jointly developed a new space saving concept for methanol-fuelled ships.

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The concept involves the “use of ballast water tanks in place of cofferdams around methanol tanks, allowing ship operators more space for methanol fuel technology,” LR says.

Cofferdam is a type of enclosed or void space provided for extra safety which separates two tanks containing different liquids. Meanwhile, a ballast tank is a compartment within a ship that holds water, which is used as ballast to provide hydrostatic stability for the vessel.

The concept will allow shipowners to retrofit their vessels to run on methanol without losing space as it eliminates the need of cofferdams around fuel tanks. It will also reduce the chance of cross contamination by “enhancing tank boundaries with thorough welding processes, increased quality controls and additional safety measures.”

“The need for this space either increases the size of a vessel or takes space that could be better utilised, and correspondingly increases a ship’s fuel consumption,” LR states.

This concept will enable efficient vessel design for a wide range of vessels and is also applicable for both new constructions and retrofits.

It will see “LR generally accept the use of ballast water tanks in place of cofferdams, as required by IMO interim guidelines for the safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel,” the classification society adds.

The partnership followed a joint retrofit project conducted by LR and SDC.

“The developed solution helps us to accommodate more methanol capacity in less space and thus increases the efficiency of the ship,” SDC managing director Michael Waechter says.

By Tuhin Roy

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