GL to Jointly Develop LNG Solutions for Large Container Ships

Classification society Germanischer Lloyd said today that it has signed an agreement with Japanese shipbuilder IHI Marine United Inc. (IHIMU) to jointly investigate and develop solutions for large LNG-fueled container ships.

“IHIMU shares GL’s assumption that LNG will be a key technology for addressing the challenges the maritime industry faces in terms of reducing emission to the air and reducing its contribution to global climate change,” said Dr Pierre C. Sames, GL Senior Vice President and Head of Strategic Research and Development.

The concept study will focus on the eFuture 13000C, a LNG-fueled 13,000 teu container ship concept design first launched by IHIMU in 2010.  IHIMU says that the eFuture 13000C future design boasts a 30% reduction in environmental impact and fuel consumption compared with conventional ships and features such innovations as a twin-skeg (two-keel) hull and high-capacity batteries that store energy from solar panels.

The new joint project will focus on the LNG fueling system, consisting of the bunker station, tanks, gas preparation and gas lines, to be designed by IHIMU.  GL, meanwhile, will provide design review, hazard identification and, upon the successful completion of the project, approval in principle of the design.

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