MHI starts construction of “peapod” LNG carrier

DECEMBER 11, 2012 — Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.’s has started construction of the first of a new generation of eco-friendly “Sayaendo” Series LNG carriers.

The LNG carrier will measure 288.0 m LOA, 48.94 m in width, and 11.55 m in draft. The 138,000 gross tonnage (75,000 deadweight tonnage) ship is capable of carrying up to 153,000 cu.m of LNG (cargo tank total volume: 155,000 cu.m).

To protect its four Moss spherical tanks, the Sayaendo features a peapod-shaped continuous cover integrated with the ship’s hull in lieu of a conventional hemispherical cover. This innovative configuration enables reductions in size and weight while maintaining the ship’s overall structural rigidity. The continuous cover over the tanks also improves aerodynamics by substantially reducing wind pressure and the resultant drag on ship propulsion.

With a conventional cover configuration, pipes, wires and catwalks atop the tanks are supported by complex structures. By covering the tanks with an integrated cover and making those supporting structures unnecessary, the new design also improves maintainability. In addition, CO2 emissions are reduced as a result of decreased fuel consumption, and response to environmental issues is further enhanced with installation of a ballast water treatment system.

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

Through downsizing, weight reduction and hull line improvement, the new ship achieves a substantial 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption per unit of cargo compared to conventional ships.

Slated for delivery in fiscal year 2014 (ending March 31, 2015), the first Saeyendo carrier is one of two ships ordered jointly by Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) in October 2011. It will be jointly owned by Osaka Gas International Transport Inc. (OGIT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Osaka Gas handling the operation of LNG carriers, and MOL, which will be the ship manager.