ABS Approves HHI LNG Fuel Tank Design that "Advances LNG as Fuel"

HHI's IMO Type B LNG fuel tank design was developed to minimise cargo space loss. ABS Monday announced that it has granted a Certificate of General Design Approval (GDA) for an International Maritime Organization (IMO) Type B liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel tank design developed by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI), which ABS says "advances LNG as fuel."

"As industry continues to adjust to a changing regulatory climate, the use of LNG as fuel will continue to grow and be adopted in the marine industry. Developing vessels equipped with the latest technology and the most efficient fuel containment systems will be key to that growth," explains ABS.

Geared toward gas-fuelled vessels, the fuel tank design is based on a 14,500 TEU container ship - although it can be sized for other ship types and sizes - and was developed to minimise cargo space loss and use available area onboard the vessel effectively as possible. "We are pleased to issue this approval that represents our involvement in the expanding gas fuel market and further promotes the adoption of LNG as fuel," said Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President, and CEO of ABS.

"As a technology leader, ABS works collaboratively with project stakeholders to evaluate new innovations and navigate the associated safety challenges."

Last month, Ship & Bunker reported that HHI is set to build four 114,000 DWT LNG-powered newbuildings for Russia's SCF Group (SCF), under its joint "Green Funnel" project with Shell Gas & Power (Shell).

UK MAIB issues its Safety Digest 1/2017

Taking an unnecessary risk to save time or get a job done more quickly is a common theme that runs through many accidents. The UK MAIB has announced the publication of the first issue for 2017 of its Safety Digest which includes lessons learned from maritime accidents. This latest edition of the Safety Digest contains 25 articles illustrating why it is so important to ensure that the appropriate barriers and controls are in place before commencing any task.

Ashore, the ravages of the weather can be inconvenient, a distraction that mercifully rarely ends in disaster, says Steve Clinch, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents. However, at sea most mariners quickly learn that to ignore the vagaries of wind (and tide) is, at best, foolhardy. Case 1 of this edition of the Safety Digest provides a sobering example of the power that can be generated when gale force winds oppose strong tidal streams; a small laden cargo vessel was overwhelmed and capsized when the ship entered an extremely hazardous channel at the very worst time possible. Sadly, none of the ship’s crew survived.

Mr. Clinch further stated:

“2016 was not a good year for our fishing industry. Too many fishermen died when they fell, or were taken overboard from their vessels. However, these fishermen have mostly succumbed to the effects of cold water shock, which can be debilitating and cause drowning within minutes of entering the water. I fully support the views expressed by Simon Potten in his excellent introduction to the Fishing Vessel section of this Safety Digest: boat skippers need to take more responsibility for the safety of their crew by ensuring onboard working practices reduce the risk of going overboard and insisting their crews wear PFDs when working on the open deck. I would also add that it is crucial that the skipper leads by example.”

“With the approach of spring, many readers will be preparing to go back on the water in their small craft. Some of you may also be considering carrying spare petrol on the boat. Please don’t! or at least keep the quantities you need to carry to the absolute minimum and always stow it on the open deck in sealed containers that can be quickly jettisoned.”

The report may be viewed at,

http://www.safety4sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UK-MAIB-Safety-Digest-1-2017_03.pdf

LR approves new LPG containment system

GTT and Lloyd’s Register (LR) have joined forces to present to maritime industry professionals the new GTT LPG containment system. GTT is now convinced the LPG industry is ready to welcome a new membrane solution. GTT MARS™ is based on the traditional sea-proven containment systems of the company to transport liquids at -55°C or above with densities up to 700 kg/m.

 

 

On the occasion, a ceremony has been organised at LR’s booth, where the classification society awarded the General Approval of the technology GTT
MARS™.

In particular, the technology uses the corrugated stainless steel membrane from Mark III supported by plywood boxes filled with glass wool. This system is therefore quite simple and allows LPG vessels to transport more liquid than competitive technologies, as well as having a lower heat capacity than other systems.

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT declared: “The LPG industry, thanks to the GTT MARS™ technology, will be able to benefit from a more optimized containment technology allowing the transport of more cargo and shorter cooling down and warming up times than the other systems. GTT is particularly thankful to Lloyd’s Register to having accompanied our company in the success of this project development”.

During the award ceremony, LR’s Gas Technology Strategic Market Manager, Leo Karistios, commented: “LR is very pleased to have been supporting GTT’s move into LPG containment systems. GTT MARS™ is a membrane technology with great potential for LPG project ship application. We have been working with GTT since December 2015, and today we have achieved a significant milestone for the full assessment of the technology.”