MHI gets orders for two next-generation Moss type LNG carriers

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has agreed with Osaka Gas International Transport Inc. (OGIT), a group company of Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd to build two new-generation 155,000 cu.m liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

To be delivered by the shipbuilder in 2014 and 2015, the ships  will be the first in the “Sayaendo” Series, which features a peapod-shaped continuous cover for the Moss spherical tanks, integrated with the ship’s hull, in lieu of a conventional hemispherical cover. This enables greater structural efficiency and size and weight reductions, maintaining the ship’s overall strength. The continuous cover over the tanks improves aerodynamics by substantially reducing wind pressure, which serves as drag on ship propulsion.

For its main power plant, the Sayaendo adopts MHI’s “Ultra Steam Turbine Plant” (UST), a new turbine plant which achieves higher thermal efficiency through effective use of thermal energy by reheating steam.

Together with downsizing, weight reduction and hull line improvement, the new ship achieves a substantial 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to conventional ships.

Each LNG carrier will measure 288.0m in length overall (LOA), 48.94m in width, and 11.55m in draft. Each138,000 gt (75,000 dwt) ship is capable of carrying up to 153,000 m3 of LNG (cargo tank total volume: 155,000m3) using four Moss-type* tanks.

The two LNG carriers to be delivered by MHI will be jointly owned by Osaka Gas International Transport  (OGIT) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., which will function as the ship management company. Both ships are planned to be used for transportation of LNG procured by OGIT’s parent, Osaka Gas.

October 28, 2011