SHI receives AiP from LR for LNG-fuelled VLCC

The maritime classification society Lloyd's Register (LR) has presented SHI with approval in principle (AiP) for an LNG-fuelled Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) equipped with a 6,000 cubic metre LNG fuel storage tank, a two-stroke dual-fuel diesel engine and an LNG fuel supply system.

This AiP was a result of joint development project with SHI named VLCC2020, said a press release from the technical and business services organisation, wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

LR assessed the technical feasibility of the LNG fuel supply system and energy saving technologies, including SAVER Air, a SHI patented air lubrication system, and Norsepower’s rotor sail solution, a proven fuel-saving technology which offers potential fuel savings of 5-7%, depending on operating routes.

SHI’s LNG-fuelled VLCC design is estimated to reduce approximately 25% of CO2 emissions and 99% of sulphur oxides, compared to conventional VLCC design.

JT Jung, SHI CTO, said: “This is a significant milestone for SHI and demonstrates our commitment to taking a step forward to help meet the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a technically and commercially viable design.”

Norsepower CSO, Jukka Kuuskoski, said: “We are excited to be collaborating with SHI and Lloyd’s Register on this project. We are optimistic that support from these industry leading organisations will open up the market for our rotor sail technology to a larger number of VLCCs and similar ships.”

Thomas Aschert, LR's North Europe Area Manager for Marine & Offshore, commented: “We are proud to work with SHI on a such a future-focused LNG-fuelled VLCC design and this AiP demonstrates SHI and Norsepower's commitment to supporting the shipping industry to reduce GHG emissions ahead of the IMO’s 2050 deadline.”