Cosco Shipping’s yards get DNV OK for FLNG concept

DNV’s maritime unit announced in a social media post the award of a main scantling approval (MSA) and approval in principle (AiP) for the FLNG concept.

According to DNV Maritime, the MSA confirms the strength of key structural elements, while the AiP covers stability, marine systems, electrical, and safety.

The classification society said this dual assessment helps derisk the project early and supports the concept’s development to the next phase.

DNV Maritime did not provide further details regarding the FLNG concept.

Qu Ming, general manager of Cosco Shipping (Qidong) Offshore and Cosco Shipping Shipyard (Nantong) said the yard “possesses extensive experience in the design and construction of FPSOs and is committed to expanding its core business into the FLNG sector.”

“The newly developed nearshore standard FLNG hull design features both scalability and ease of construction, enabling rapid response to client requirements. It significantly shortens project design and delivery schedules while reducing clients’ investment costs,” he said.

Back in 2023, French LNG containment giant GTT signed a technical assistance and license agreement with Cosco Shipping (Qidong) Offshore.

This agreement enables the yard to construct GTT’s technologies for offshore LNG units, such as FLNGs or FSRUs, as well as for LNG carriers.

Earlier this year, GTT also signed a strategic cooperation deal with Cosco Shipping LNG Investment (Shanghai) and Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry.

Last year, Julius Rone, CEO of Nigeria’s UTM Offshore, confirmed to LNG Prime that Cosco Shipping (Qidong) Offshore had been selected to work on its planned FLNG project.

Following the EPCIC contract award, Technip Energies and JGC subcontracted the shipbuilder in China to build the hull and integrate topsides.

However, UTM has not made a final investment decision on the delayed project.