NACKS, LR to Jointly Develop LNG-Fuelled MPV
Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) and Lloyds Register China have agreed to the joint development of an LNG-fuelled 28,000 deadweight (dwt) type motor general cargo ship design, built to Lloyds Registers requirements, that will meet current and future environmental targets.
This new ship design project will incorporate new propulsion systems (dual/triple-fuelled) and will meet new operational requirements. This design will be an evolution of NACKS most current 28K multi-purpose vessel (MPV) design. Lloyds Register will be applying its risk methodology for novel technology processes, which provides a proven pathway through the complexity of the technical risk assessment. The goal is for LR to issue an approval in principle (AIP) for the new design including approval of the LNG as fuel systems.
In a ceremony held at NACKS offices, Nikolas Skaribas, LRs Greater China Marine Operations Manager, signed the JIP (Joint Industry Project) agreement on behalf of LR with NACKS President, Mr Han Chengmin.
Luis Benito, LRs Head of Global Marine Marketing, commented: “This project is the latest example of our efforts to work with key partners to develop safe, LNG fuelled deep sea ships. Assessing and addressing risk is where we really add value as we transfer five decades of leadership in LNG carrier classification into supporting the exciting opportunities offered by gas for mainstream shipping.”
Mr. Nishiyama, Vice President of NACKS said: “We are focused on the development of green ship technologies, especially using LNG as fuel for merchant vessels. Co-operation with classification pioneers, LR, and sub-vendors, knowledge, experience and research resource can be definitely shared in order to keep pace with leading expertise in this segment, and this will be beneficial for both parties involved to find practical, feasible technology solutions fit for customers expectations in the future.”
Last year LR issued details of the Clean Sky LNG fuelled bulk carrier design following the completion of a joint project with COSCO Shipyard Group and Greek ship operator, Golden Union.
MPVs are, typically, highly flexible workhorses of the worlds oceans that are self-sustaining with deck cranes enabling the loading and discharge, including heavy lift capability in ports where shore facilities may be absent. They are used to transport a wide range of bulk, breakbulk and containerised cargo as well as vehicles, machinery, project cargoes and logs.
Lloyds Register, December 3, 2013
