DNV GL Grants AiP for Hyundai's FLNG Barge

Classification society DNV GL has announced that it has awarded Hyundai Heavy Industries with an approval in principle (AiP) for the design of a jetty-moored nearshore floating LNG (FLNG) barge.

DNV GL reviewed the design based on the feasibility of constructing the FLNG barge using standard shipbuilding rules and techniques, said a release.

The Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate confirms that DNV GL has found no significant obstacles to prevent the concept from being realized by applying the DNV GL rules for classification of ships and offshore standards.

“The FLNG market is beginning to emerge, and near shore projects are expected to be at the forefront of these developments,” said Simon Lee, General Manager of Hyundai Heavy Industries.

“Our design offers lower production costs, reduced time to production, and improved environmental performance. DNV GL’s AIP for our new and innovative near shore FLNG design shows that we have a technological edge in this market,” Simon added.

“We were very pleased to have worked on this innovative design with Hyundai Heavy Industries,” said Mike Brogan, Technical Director Newbuilding, Offshore Classification at DNV GL.

“Floating solutions which can be constructed at a shipyard, such as HHI’s concept, could provide the LNG industry with flexible and cost-efficient solutions. These concepts could be particularly useful in areas with land-based gas resources where onshore construction is not feasible or desirable,” he said.