Classification society Korean Register (KR) has revised the existing structural rules for membrane-type LNG carriers
The new rules have been developed to fully comply with the existing IGF code and cover LNG carriers from 210,000 m3 to 266,000 m3 (Q-Max) by analysing and reflecting the motion characteristics of the vessels.
They apply the concept of equivalent design wave based on direct load analysis to determine structural arrangements and scantlings that meet the structural strength, buckling and fatigue strength criteria for various load scenarios, and re-verify it by applying direct structural analysis.
KR has conducted an impact analysis on an LNG carrier working in collaboration with South Korea’s ‘big three’ shipbuilders - Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) - applying world-class LNG carrier building technology. KR said each shipyard also evaluated the rules in terms of structural safety and optimised design.
As a result, the society anticipates structural design time for LNG carriers will be drastically shortened by including the new rules in KR’s structural scantling and strength evaluation program ’SeaTrust-HullScan’, which is already in use.
KR executive vice-president, technical division Kim Yeon-tae said "The new rules for LNG carriers will be applied to membrane-type LNG ships over 150 m in length and our LNG technology development work will continue as we work alongside leading shipyards both domestic and abroad, providing the best technical services possible for our LNG customers.”
In addition, the society has completed design approval for various types of cargo holds: MARK Ⅲ (GTT), No.96 (GTT), KC-1 (KC LNG Tech), SOLIDUS (DSME), SCA (SHI), and provides technical services for Type B LNG carriers and Type C LNG bunkering vessels as well as for the membrane-type cargo holds.
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