GL and IHI Marine United to develop concept for LNG-fueled containership

Classification society Germanischer Lloyd (GL) and Japanese shipbuilder IHI Marine United Inc. (IHIMU) have signed an agreement for a joint development project  to complete a concept study for a 13,000 TEU container vessel fueled by LNG.

“IHIMU shares GL’s assumption that LNG will be a key technology for addressing the challenges the maritime industry faces in terms of reducing emission to the air and reducing its contribution to global climate change,” said Dr Pierre C. Sames, GL Senior Vice President and Head of Strategic Research and Development.

IHIMU first launched the eFuture 13000C container vessel design in 2010. At that time GL reviewed the main hull structure. The new joint development project focuses on the LNG fueling system, consisting of the bunker station, tanks, gas preparation and gas lines. IHIMU will design the key structures of the system with GL providing design review, hazard identification and upon the successful completion of the project, approval in principle of the design. Assessment of the safety performance of the gas supply system will be the key aspect of GL’s contribution to the project.

In addition to the use of LNG as fuel, other features of the eFuture 13000C design include:

Twin-Skeg Hull Form

Propeller efficiency is improved by reducing the propeller load to half with twin-skeg stern and screws.

Low Friction Coating

Frictional resistance is reduced by applying low friction coating to outer hull.

Forward Bridge and Front Bonnet

Forward Bridge Container intake is increased by forward bridge arrangement eliminating the restriction of on-deck container height to keep visibility.  The Front bonnet covering the forward located accommodations reduces wind resistance.

Rudder Bulb and Tip Rake Propeller

Propeller efficiency is improved by reducing hub vortex by applying a rudder bulb mounted close to the propeller boss. Propeller efficiency is improved by applying tip-raked type propeller blades.

December 13, 2011