LR issues AiP for gas turbine-powered LNG carrier design

GE Marine and Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) have obtained Lloyd’s Register’s (LR) Approval in Principle (AiP) for the jointly developed gas turbine-powered LNG carrier design.

“With the AiP in hand, customers can feel confident in procuring a COGES-powered LNG carrier through DSIC,” said Brien Bolsinger, Vice President, Marine Operations, GE Marine.

“Operational benefits of gas turbines to naval architects, owners and operators include high power in a compact package and design flexibility. The gas turbine is so lightweight – fully 80% lighter and 30% smaller than comparable slow-speed diesel applications – that it can be located anywhere on the ship,” Bolsinger added.

The LNG carrier design allows room for more cargo – some 4,000 m3 of additional space in the same size hull – along with low emissions and the flexibility to operate on LNG or liquid fuel. The LNG carrier will be built around a GE gas turbine-based COGES (COmbined Gas turbine, Electric and Steam) system that will feature one 25-megawatt gas turbine, one steam turbine generator-set and a heat recovery system including gas combustion unit. The carrier will allow for flexible configuration of prime movers and a total installed power of more than 50 MW, if required. The GE gas turbines can be equipped with a GE Dry Low Emissions (DLE) or single annular combustion system – both capable of meeting Tier III IMO/Tier IV United States Environmental Protection Agency requirements now with no exhaust treatment and no methane slip.

LR spearheaded and completed a preliminary hazard identification (HAZID) and hazard and operability (HAZOP) study and a COGES Operation Modes evaluation.

Commenting, LR’s Global Special Projects Manager Thanos Koliopulos said: “This study delved into the carrier’s power station configuration, hazardous areas, structural integrity, safe separation, pipe routing and ventilation. The studies will help mature the design and minimize risk for the COGES LNG carrier system. Meanwhile, we evaluated technical risks including the gas combustion unit and compressors with the equipment makers to ensure safety and operability.”

Source & Image Credit: LR