The first LNG dual-fuel VLCC started sea trials before its entry into service. The vessel meets next generation safety and environmental regulations and is an effort by shipowners to meet near-term environmental regulations.
The vessel incorporates several design enhancements to increase its efficiency and safety. At first, the tanker was ordered in 2017 as a conventional VLCC, but a year ago COSCO changed the order to convert the vessel to LNG as its main fuel, supplemented by oil.
The main engine and generator feature low-pressure selective catalytic reduction (LPSCR) reactors, which will help the vessel meet the requirements of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) phase III, and NOx Tier III requirements.
Furthermore, the gas system adopts the design of a single unit and a single pipe, which aim to enhance the safety of gas use.
Reporting on LNG-vessels, DNV recently indicated that about 12% of the global order book uses alternative fuel with LNG being the favored option for large, ocean-going vessels.
