French LNG containment giant GTT and Finnish ship designer Deltamarin have received an approval in principle from classification society Lloyd’s Register for a new LNG-powered very large crude carrier (VLCC).
GTT said in a statement on Thursday the VLCC design incorporates a 12,500 cbm LNG tank equipped with GTT’s Mark III Flex technology.
The concept developed by GTT aims at maximizing vessel autonomy thanks to a large-capacity tank, giving shipowners and charterers the benefit of longer trade navigation with a single refueling operation, without any impact on cargo capacity, the firm claims.
Deltamarin and GTT explored various configurations and solutions to integrate this new tank into the design.
“By leveraging advanced simulation tools and a holistic approach, the project not only delivers a LNG-powered vessel, but also sets new standards in energy efficiency and emissions reduction for VLCCs,” GTT said.
This design fully complies with the environmental regulations set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) until 2030, it said.
Compared to traditional oil-fueled tankers, this LNG-fueled VLCC design reduces CO2 emissions by at least 20 percent, while extending the operational range of vessels without compromising cargo capacity, according to GTT.
Earlier this year, GTT secured approvals in principle from classification society DNV for two LNG-powered vessel designs and a new tank concept.
These approvals included an LNG-powered VLCC developed in collaboration with Deltamarin.