DNV GL gives first GAS READY notation to UASC newbuild

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Naming ceremony of Barzan at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in Mokpo, South Korea. The DNV GL classed vessel will operate on the Asia-Europe trade

MAY 11, 2015 — Recently named in a ceremony at shipbuilder Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries’ Mokpo, South Korea, shipyard, Barzan is the first in a series of six 18,800 TEU containerships ordered by Dubai headquartered United Arab Shipping Company ( UASC). It is the first vessel to receive classification society DNV GL’s new GAS READY notation. Her five sister ships and eleven 15,000 TEU vessels of UASC’s newest eco-ship generation, will also receive the notation.

The ships have been designed and constructed to enable a quick and cost efficient retrofit to LNG fueling at a later stage. The GAS READY notation, with nominators (D, S, MEc, AEi) demonstrates that the vessel is in compliance with the gas fueled notation rules, that structural reinforcements to support the fuel containment system (LNG tank) have been verified (S), that the main engines installed can be converted to dual fuel (MEc ) and that the auxiliary engines installed can be operated on gas (AEi).

“We believe that this vessel, as well as the rest of the vessels in our new building program, demonstrates our commitment to technical innovation and eco-effectiveness,” said Jørn Hinge, President and Chief Executive Officer of UASC. “For UASC, achieving optimum efficiency levels is not a single initiative or project, it is a strategy and an ongoing commitment, and we will continue to work with DNV GL on the remaining newbuild vessels that have the lowest levels of CO2 output in their class.”

As well as being LNG ready, Barzan and her sister vessels incorporate several innovative energy saving methods, including a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) that converts thermal energy from the exhaust gas from the main engines into electrical power to maximize the efficiency of the system (see earlier story).

Preliminary calculations indicate that Barzan will have an EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) value that is close to 50 per cent less than the 2025 limit set by IMO, with a CO2 output per TEU that is more than 60 per cent lower than a 13,500 TEU vessel delivered just three years ago.

Barzan has been constructed to DNV GL class rules with the notations: 1A1 Container Carrier DG-P Shore Power E0 NAUT-OC HMON (A1,C1,G4) CLEAN BWM-T BIS TMON NAUTICUS (Newbuilding) GAS READY (D, S, MEc, AEi).

“Gas will almost certainly continue to grow in importance as a fuel for shipping over the coming few years,” said Gerd Würsig, Business Director LNG fueled ships at DNV GL – Maritime. “The framework and technical requirements have been laid and as the infrastructure spreads it will become a more mainstream option for efficient and low emission shipping. It is by working with forward looking owners and yards like UASC and HHI that we at DNV GL have been able to build our competence in this field and offer such unique solutions as the GAS READY notation.”

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