ABS to Class Innovative Moss-type LNG Carriers
To be built in Ulsan, Korea, the ships will feature energy efficient reheated steam turbine engines. ABS, a provider of classification and technical services to the maritime industry, has been awarded a contract for the classification of two innovative 'Moss-type' LNG carriers to be built in Korea for Malaysia's Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas). The 150,200-m3 capacity ships will the largest Moss-type units ever built at Hyundai Heavy Industry's shipyard in Ulsan, Korea, featuring the latest technology to improve energy efficiency and operational reliability.
Dual-Fuel Propulsion System for LNG Carrier
Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) has developed the first Korean Dual-Fuel Diesel-Electric (DFDE) propulsion system for LNG carriers. The DFDE propulsion system uses either oil or gas, depending on the situation. It uses an electric motor like large cruise ships and submarines, not a steam turbine, which is the traditional propulsion system for LNG carriers. The DFDE propulsion system improves fuel efficiency, reacts quickly, and provides a smooth voyage. HHI was guided by both environmental and economic requirements while developing the Integrated Automation System, which includes the main engine, the electric propulsion system, other control systems, and the Ecobot.
Spain: IZAR Shows Its Mettle in the Gas Sector
As the sole shipbuilding organization outside eastern Asia with a current involvement in the construction of large LNG carriers, IZAR is determined to maintain a long-term position in a promising, higher value-added field of the newbuild market. The present business profile is based on a series of membrane-type vessels of 138,000-cu. m. capacity, contracted in recent years in the face of fierce international competition and oriental domination of gas tanker production. However, the gathering momentum behind the Spanish group's research and development drive has increased its offering to the LNG transportation sector beyond the impressive new generation of ships now taking form in Sestao and Puerto Real for Spanish and Norwegian interests.
EMMF: Fuel Sulphur Cap Alternatives Must be Developed
ExxonMobil Marine Fuels (EMMF), a world leading supplier of marine fuels, has warned that alternatives to a pure sulphur cap on fuels need to be investigated, made workable and used, if serious pitfalls are to be avoided. Steve Walker, Global Technical Manager of EMMF, told the recent International Bunker Conference in Rotterdam that, while any move to ensure cleaner air should be welcomed, the current EC proposal for amendment of the Sulphur in Liquid Fuels Directive has yet to look in depth at the real effect it will have on the end-user. Walker explained that, for internationally trading vessels, the current proposal would involve having three grades of fuel – 4.5 per cent sulphur bunker fuel…
