A new IMO Type B cargo containment system for small- and mid-scale liquefied gas carriers has been unveiled by Norway’s SSRC Technologies, promising a low boil-off rate, low weight and ease of fabrication
Developed in co-operation with Moss Maritime, the Type B containment system has been specifically developed for the mid-scale LPG, NH3, Petchem and LNG markets, but is also scalable for floating storage and regasification solutions, according to SSRC.
“Our vision is the transformation of the mid-scale liquefied gas market through technical innovation and expert services, lowering costs for the existing LPG and Petchem markets and increasing the economic viability of emerging ethane, ethylene and LNG markets,” said SSRC Technologies managing director John Holland.
Intending to licence the technology to qualified fabricators or shipbuilders, SSRC has focused on simplifying construction by using a single tank design for all carrier tanks. The intent is to significantly reduce engineering hours and simplify fabrication. Primary components of the tank can be manufactured in series production, said SSRC.
SSRC claimed the tank weight is up to 50% less and the thermal performance up to 15% better than traditional Type A or C tanks.
“The insulation system for LNG service is 300-mm polyurethane hybrid of panels and sprayed foam,” Mr Holland told LNG World Shipping. “The BOG rate is 0.20% per day at ICG code conditions (45ºC cargo hold). For a pure LPG/ethylene carrier the insulation thickness could be significantly reduced.”
Mr Holland said SSRC has already received serious enquiries for the system.
Over the past few years, HB Hunte Engineering, a privately held shipbuilder and marine engineering firm in Oldenburg, Germany, has provided technical support and developed gas carrier design concepts for SSRC. Established in 1850, HB Hunte has extensive gas carrier design and construction experience.
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