GTT was selected to design the fuel tanks for five container vessels – the tanks feature a unique compatibility with ammonia as a future fuel
GTT has received an order from its partner South Korean shipyard Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for the fuel tank design of five 15,000-TEU LNG-fuelled container vessels, on behalf of Asian shipowner Seaspan Corporation and Israeli charterer ZIM.
The fuel tank of each vessel will offer a capacity of 12,000 m3 and will be fitted with the Mark III membrane containment system. These tanks will include unique features to enable these vessels to be converted to run on ammonia, GTT said in a statement.
It added, “The Mark III membrane technology tank has been adapted for compatibility with ammonia, offering both Seaspan and ZIM greater operational flexibility in case of changes in environmental regulations.”
In addition to the engineering services and onsite technical assistance, GTT will assist Seaspan through every step of its first LNG-fuelled project: commissioning the LNG tank, first LNG bunkering operations and maintenance of the vessels.
GTT will provide LNG training for the crews supported by its proprietary G-Sim training simulator, which replicates the LNG operations of the vessels. Seaspan will also benefit from the HEARS emergency response service with 24/7 technical assistance.
The vessels will also be fitted with GTT’s digital platform for monitoring and optimising their operational performance and environmental footprint. Delivery of the vessels is scheduled between Q3 2023 and Q1 2024.
GTT chairman and chief executive Philippe Berterottière said, “This first collaboration on LNG fuel business with our long-time partner Samsung Heavy Industries, for the shipowner Seaspan and the charterer ZIM is a major milestone for GTT. The ammonia compatibility of the ordered vessels offers flexibility and demonstrates GTT’s continued commitment to protect shipowners’ investments in a context where they have to constantly adapt to evolving environmental regulations.”
Seaspan chief operating officer Torsten Pedersen said, “…we are excited and proud to support ZIM’s ambitions to operate highly efficient vessels with a very low environmental impact. By working with ZIM, GTT, SHI and DNV on ammonia-ready features, we are taking a long-term view towards futureproofing these vessels.”
ZIM executive vice president and chief executive David Arbel stated, “ZIM as a charterer is striving for zero environmental impact in our operations, with special focus on alternative non-polluting fuel use. Green ammonia is a potential marine fuel as the shipping industry moves to a zero-carbon future. ZIM feels very proud to be a part of this technical challenge shifting from fossil fuels to renewables.”
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