ABS, issued approval in principle (AIP) to the conceptual design of carbon fiber LNG fuel tanks, inspired by techniques common in the space industry, exploring whether composite technology, which is lighter and more cost-effective, offers a competitive alternative in LNG as marine fuel designs, principally for short sea shipping.
The tanks are part of the SpaceTech4Sea project, a collaboration between ABS, OceanFinance, and Cimarron Composites, who will adapt composite technologies developed for the space industry to LNG shipping.
The project holds a 1 million euro funding from the European Union.
The project aims to create tanks which will attract new buildings and LNG as a marine fuel retrofits by reducing costs, weight, while increasing vessels’ cargo capacity. Also, the technology focuses on high-speed vessels with small to medium tank capacities.
ABS comments that the technology brings to the shipping world space technology safety standards.
ABS VP for global gas solutions Patrick Janssens commented
The potential of this technology to reduce barriers to the utilization of LNG as fuel for short sea shipping is significant. This composite technology has proven itself in other industries; we are committed to learning how to safely apply those lessons to benefit the maritime industries.
ABS added that Attica Group, owner of Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and AML, is following the SpaceTech4Sea with interest and is evaluating the technology for future projects.
While the tanks are currently made by hand, the project aims to adopt a highly automated production line to ensure a competitive pricing level.
