GTT and SDARI offer new solution for LNG-powered bulkers

France’s GTT and China’s Shanghai Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) have secured approval in principle from DNV for a new tank solution applied to LNG-powered Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

GTT designed the membrane tank up to the supporting steel wall while SDARI studied its integration into the vessel, according to a joint statement.

This approval confirms that the membrane fuel tank solution complies with safety regulations and is technically feasible onboard LNG-powered bulk carriers, the statement said.

In addition, this design improvement offers increased autonomy and “drastically reduces sulphur and greenhouse gas emissions compared to a standard Newcastlemax design,” they said.

Furthermore, it features “great flexibility” as a vessel with this design would be able to complete a Brazil-China round trip with a single LNG bunkering, the statement said.

This solution does not affect the available cargo space nor the vessel’s accommodation, according to the partners.

New bulk carrier solution for shipowners

GTT, SDARI and DNV studied, among other things, the structural arrangement of the tank above of the engine room, the dimensioning of the LNG injection system from the tank to the engines, as well as the interface of the bunker station, the statement said.

DNV also reviewed aspects relating to naval architecture, such as damaged stability.

GTT’s chief Philippe Berterottière said that, following DNV’s approval, the partners now bring a new bulk carrier solution to shipowners that is both “competitive and sustainable.”

Moreover, Morten Løvstad, VP and global business director for bulk carriers at DNV, said this marks the first AiP by the classification society for the use of membrane technology as fuel tank onboard bulk carriers.

“This type of vessel is another R&D achievement that combines the latest technology in the market enabling future shipping in line with carbon peak and carbon neutral targets,” Wang Gangyi, the chief engineer of SDARI, said in the statement.

Most Popular

Delfin inks new deals for US FLNG project, eyes FID later this year

Delfin Midstream, the US developer of a floating LNG export project offshore Louisiana, is moving forward with the project by signing new deals with Siemens Energy, Samsung Heavy, and Black & Veatch.

Deutsche ReGas: Mukran LNG terminal hits record in Q2

German LNG terminal operator Deutsche ReGas claims that its FSRU-based LNG import facility in Mukran was the highest-performing LNG terminal in Germany in the second quarter of this year.

Ukraine’s Naftogaz to get another US LNG cargo from Orlen

Poland's Orlen will supply another US LNG cargo to Ukraine's Naftogaz, the fourth shipment as part of a deal signed earlier this year.

More News Like This

GTT clinches tank gig for Capital’s LNG-powered containerships

French LNG containment giant GTT has secured a tank design order for six Capital's LNG-fueled container vessels.

DNV: LNG remains fuel of choice

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) remains the clear fuel of choice for alternative-fueled vessel orders, with 87 new ships ordered, totaling 14.2 million gross tonnes so far in 2025, according to classification society DNV.

Cosco Shipping’s yards get DNV OK for FLNG concept

China's Cosco Shipping (Qidong) Offshore and Cosco Shipping Shipyard (Nantong), both part of Cosco Shipping, have received approvals from classification society DNV for their nearshore floating LNG production unit.

GTT clinches new LNG tank gig

France’s GTT has secured a new tank design order from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for one liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.