DNV has granted an approval in principle (AiP) to PASSER Marine, a specialist in cryogenic insulation and cable handling equipment, for a new LNG fuel tank insulation system
The LNG fuel tank concept is designed for prismatic type B LNG tanks – which according to IMO rules require a partial secondary barrier – and includes a leakage detection system capable of safely managing and containing fuel leaks.
As LNG-fuelled vessels are increasingly being deployed for deepsea shipping, fuel tank sizes need to increase from 300-1,000 m3 fuel capacity to up to 10,000-20,000 m3, which leaves less room for cargo.
As such, there is increased industry interest in alternative fuel tanks (type B), which are prismatic in shape and more volume-efficient than traditional cylindrical type C tanks.
Between 95 and 99% of LNG-fuelled ships contain type C fuel tanks, but many newbuilds on order contain type B specifications.
PASSER Marine chief operating officer Svein Konradsen said “The pandemic has been challenging for many companies and for the development of this particular design. The required testing has been difficult to finalise due to interruptions and limited travel, but finally we have been able to submit the necessary documentation which I am very pleased to say was accepted by DNV.”
“There are several insulation concepts under development that provide an integrated secondary barrier and leakage detection system, but there are few proven systems available on the market,” said DNV maritime head of department, gas carrier excellence centre, Monika Johannessen. “We are pleased PASSER Marine has chosen DNV to pursue verification for this innovative concept and look forward to receiving the documentation for full approval.”
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