DNV GL and Keppel Marine and Deepwater Technology (KMDTech), a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M), signed a framework agreement to advance the uptake of LNG as ship fuel. The agreement regards future newbuilding projects including LNG bunker vessels, small-scale LNG carriers and floating storage regasification units (FSRUs), as well as LNG related assets employing battery and hybrid technologies.
Specifically, as the first delivery in the agreement, DNV GL will issue Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates for two LNG bunker vessel designs from KMDTech:
- A 7,500 cbm small-scale LNG carrier with bunkering capabilities;
- A 7,500 cbm small-scale LNG carrier with bunkering capabilities and hybrid battery propulsion.
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The LNG carriers will be able to carry up to 7,500 cubic meters of LNG in Type C-tanks. What is more, an optimised deck arrangement for the modular LNG gas supply, filling and safety systems increases the cargo capacity and efficiency of the vessels. The ships are equipped with engines that can run on both diesel and LNG, and will also have a class notation for bunkering which allows for the provision of LNG bunkering services if needed.
Ahead of the 2020 sulphur cap, DNV GL considers LNG is as one of the most viable options for deep-sea shipping. in fact, its Maritime Forecast to 2050 projects that over 10% of the world’s shipping fleet will be fueled by LNG by 2030, compared to less than 0.3% in 2019. In addition, the report expects that LNG powered vessels will make up 23% of the global fleet by 2050.
Speaking about this collaboration, Johan Peter Tutturen, Business Director Gas Carriers in DNV GL, stated:
One of the objectives of our collaboration with Keppel is to facilitate the increased supply of LNG bunkering infrastructure by being future ready through design approvals of different sizes of LNG bunker vessels, and LNG-related assets such as small-scale LNG carriers and FSRU
The collaboration also aims to boost asset design by enhancing machinery and systems configuration to increase fuel efficiency, using simulation tools.
Moreover, the parties will cooperate to establish round table discussions involving all stakeholders in the LNG-as-fuel value chain, including gas and LNG bunker suppliers, designers, shipbuilders, shipowners and operators. This has as a goal to increase the uptake in demand for LNG bunkering in Singapore and beyond.
Keppel O&M’s yards will carry out the project execution.
