Altair's LNG Containment Concept Earns AIP from ABS

Classification society ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to Troy, Mich., based Altair for the Cubic Donut Tank System (CDTS) LNG containment concept.

The CDTS concept is adapted from a patent first filed nearly 40 years ago. The principle behind the initial design concept is the construction of a near prismatic shape using 12 interconnected cylinders to create the structural efficiency of a spherical tank and the volumetric efficiency of a membrane tank.

According to Altair ProductDesign, the CDTS retains the advantages of the original concept, including greater relative cargo capacity than either a spherical or membrane containment system, which enables a vessel with a shorter length but comparable draft for the same deadweight. Altair designers say the CDTS is suitable for operations in heavy sea states at any fill level, and its lower profile compared to spherical tanks for the same cargo volume reduces hydrostatic loading.