France’s GTT, the world’s largest maker of LNG tanks, said it has launched a new digital solution aimed at optimizing tank maintenance after securing approval in principle from Bureau Veritas.
BV approved the use of the digital solution for “sloshing activity assessment in the framework of class survey in order to optimise the LNG membrane tank maintenance frequency,” according to a GTT statement.
In addition, this digital solution is based on GTT’s “sloshing virtual sensor” technology. It uses the tank digital twin, and the real-time operational data of the floating units (FSRU, FLNG) and LNGC to monitor the evolution of critical parameters with regards to the tank integrity, GTT said.
Combined with an appropriate risk analysis, the solution can support alternative survey plans aiming at optimising the tank maintenance while complying with strict safety standards.
This would translate into “increased operational flexibility and substantial cost saving for the ship-owners,” GTT said.