ABS Concept Approval Advances LNG as Fuel

New concept promotes LNG as fuel in containership sector.

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, has granted a Certificate of General Design Approval (GDA) for an IMO Type B LNG fuel tank design developed by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of South Korea.

“We are pleased to issue this approval that represents our involvement in the expanding gas fuel market and further promotes the adoption of LNG as fuel,” says ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. “As a technology leader, ABS works collaboratively with project stakeholders to evaluate new innovations and navigate the associated safety challenges.”

HHI’s fuel tank design was conceptualized and developed to minimize the loss of cargo space and effectively use available area on board the vessel. Targeting gas-fueled vessels, the conceptual fuel tank design is based on a 14,500 TEU containership design but can be sized for other ship types and sizes. In issuing the GDA, ABS determined that the design is in compliance with the relevant ABS Rules and Guides as well as the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

As industry continues to adjust to a changing regulatory climate, the use of LNG as fuel will continue to grow and be adopted in the marine industry. Developing vessels equipped with the latest technology and the most efficient fuel containment systems will be key to that growth.

“Working with ABS as our advisor, we were able to prove and determine the feasibility of our Type B fuel tank design concept,” says HHI Senior Executive Vice President Yun-Sik Lee. “Together, we applied the latest safety standards to the design, bringing us closer to incorporating this innovative fuel tank design into new containerships.”

Recognizing the changing landscape and increased industry focus on gas, ABS launched its Global Gas Solutions team in 2013 to support industry in developing gas-related projects. A pioneer in classification for the safe transport and handling of gas, ABS classed the world’s first LPG carrier conversion, the first LNG carrier conversion, the Methane Pioneer, in 1959, as well as the first newbuild LNG carrier, Methane Princess, in 1964, and has extensive experience with the full scope of gas-related assets, including many of the most advanced gas carriers in service. ABS is the industry leader in classification of liquefied gas carriers and maintains the largest global orderbook for the classification of LNG-fueled vessels.