AiP granted for cubic LNG fuel tank

GTT has developed a new LNG fuel tank concept with cubic geometry that has received approval in principle (AiP) from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore. The design, named GTT CUBIQ, has been created for commercial vessels, with a particular focus on LNG-fuelled container ships.

According to GTT, the tank eliminates the upper and lower chambers that have traditionally been incorporated in LNG fuel tanks. The company stated the cubic shape allows for simplified and faster construction, with fewer corner areas and easier installation. This, it said, can shorten construction schedules by several weeks, saving time for shipyards.

GTT also indicated the cubic form optimises cargo capacity by freeing up space compared with alternative technologies.

The tank can reach a capacity of up to 14,000 m³, which the company said makes it suitable for long-distance container ship routes. The design includes a pressure build-up capability of up to 1 barg, which has already been approved by classification societies. According to GTT, this ensures compliance with forthcoming cold ironing regulations.

GTT chairman and chief executive Philippe Berterottière said GTT CUBIQ demonstrates the company’s ability to transform technical advances into value for the industry. He stated that by combining efficiency, simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the concept reinforces GTT’s role as a partner to shipowners and shipyards.

Bureau Veritas executive vice president, industrials and commodities, Matthieu de Tugny, said the AiP supports a more straightforward and cost-effective approach to LNG fuel storage. He added the classification society’s approval reflects its commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining high safety and compliance standards.

The AiP was announced at Gastech 2025.