Hanjin, GTT and DNV GL have signed an agreement to jointly investigate and to develop a gas fuelled large container vessel concept equipped with membrane fuel tanks. The project partners presented the Joint Development Project (JDP) as part of the DNV GL Forum at SMM 2014 in Hamburg, the world’s leading maritime trade fair.

The JDP partners will work together to develop a concept for sailing long distances on LNG by using technologies which are either well proven technologies (containment for LNG as cargo) or already deployed in the market (dual fuel low speed two stroke engines) and the associated systems.
The concept study focusses on a 16300 TEU Container vessel designed by Hanjin Shipyard, sailing from Asia to Europe. Such a profile would mean that the vessel has to pass, at least in Europe, through a Sulfur Emission Control Area (SECA), and therefore comply with the upcoming emission limitations related to sulfur.

The evaluated vessel would be equipped with a dual fuel two stroke engine and two membrane tanks with a total LNG capacity of 11000 m3, which is sufficient for approx. 15000 nm. The tank size could be adjusted depending on the operating profile of the vessel and in particular the expected sailing time / distance in ECA / SECA areas.

The JDP focuses on the LNG fuelling system, consisting of the bunker station, LNG fuel tanks, gas preparation and fuel supply systems. Hanjin is designing the key components of the LNG supply system; GTT is responsible for the integration of the fuel containment system; while DNV GL provides design review, hazard identification and, upon the successful completion of the project, approval in principle of the design. The Assessment of the safety performance of the gas supply system and the integration of the tank system will be the key aspects of DNV GL contribution to this cooperation.

In addition to the technical aspects of this project the economic feasibility will also be evaluated, based on DNV GL’s LNG Ready Step 1 procedure. This procedure includes the evaluation of the LNG tank location and range in gas mode based on the ship’s operational profile, the outline of the necessary requirements for an LNG-ready or LNG-fuelled design and the overview of LNG availability in relevant locations.

The main particulars of the vessel are shown in the following:

- Length O.A.: abt. 397 m
- Breadth: 56.1 m
- Design draft (MLD): 14.5 m
- Fuel tanks (LNG): 2X 5500 m3 (symmetric with Centerline)
- Length of the tank: approx. 12 m
- Height of the tank approx. 22m
- Breadth of the tank approx. 24 m
- Engine: Dual Fuel MEGI-engine

About DNV GL

Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organisations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification and technical assurance services along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. We also provide management system certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our 16,000 professionals are dedicated to helping our customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

About GTT

GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz ISIN FR0011726835 Euronext Paris: GTT) is an engineering company formed in 1994 by the merger of the two major players in the field of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) membrane containment systems: Gaztransport and S.N.Technigaz resulting in a cumulative experience of more than 80 years in the field of cryogenics and storage of liquefied gases.

About Hanjin Shipping

Hanjin Shipping is Korea's largest and one of the world’s top ten container carriers that operates some 60 liner and tramper services around the globe transporting over 100 million tons of cargo annually. Its fleet consists of some 200 containerships, bulk and LNG carriers.