Ocean-Going LNG Bunkering Barge Concept Receives Class Approval

The ocean-going ATB will have capacity for 4,000 cubic meters of LNG. Illustration: Jensen Maritime

A new design for a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-bunkering articulated tug and barge unit (ATB) designed by Seattle-based naval architecture firm Jensen Maritime has been granted “approval in principle” by classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

The designation establishes that Jensen’s vessel concept for the A1 Liquefied Gas Tank Barge is compliant in principle with ABS rules and guides.

The design by Jensen, a subsidiary of Crowley Maritime Corp., is ideal for mobile bunkering and is also ocean-rated, meaning that it is not limited to the intracoastal waterways like many other similar types of LNG ATBs. The flexible design feature allows the vessel to facilitate the transfer and use of small-scale LNG in places with limited infrastructure, including offshore locations.

The ATB will be built with four 1,000- m3 Type C LNG tanks, which is enough to provide full LNG bunkering for two large containerships – like Tote’s new Marlin-class ships equipped with two 900 cubic meter cryogenic LNG fuel tanks. The capacity, combined with flexible operations, makes it an ideal to meet demand for large customers located at one or more ports not located near an LNG terminal.

“This vessel is exciting for so many reasons, but perhaps most notably because it offers a solution for the maritime industry, which struggles with whether to develop LNG infrastructure or vessels first,” said Jensen’s Johan Sperling, vice president. “This unique concept offers customers an economical alternative to sourcing LNG terminals or trucking LNG to multiple ports. Additionally, the design was developed using Jensen’s proprietary production engineering capabilities, which makes the construction and assembly more efficient. It’s an incredible package.”

The barge measures 360’ x 60’ x 35’, with a combined tug-and-barge length of 452’, Jensen says. The tug (under 500 GT US regulatory) features two GE 6L250 engines (Tier 3), each offering at least 2,035 HP, and two Rolls Royce 205 Z-drives, with a speed of 12 knots. The ATB will carry 30,800 gallons of fresh water and 90,100 gallons of ballast water and provides enough space for 12 crew.

Safety features include a double hull, designed to help to protect the ATB’s 4,000-gallon fuel tank, and firefighting capabilities. Classed as a firefighting vessel (FFV-1), the vessel is well equipped to handle emergencies on board and can satisfy most requirements to have at least one FFV-classed tug escorting LNG tankers into port. Finally, because there is no linkage between the tug and barge, the two can disconnect quickly in the event of emergency.

Expected time to build the ATB is between 18 to 30 months.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up