Conrad signs LNG tank agreement with GTT

Conrad LNG barge with membrane tanks has 40% greater capacity than barge with same footprint using "type C" tanks

OCTOBER 1, 2014 — Paris headquartered GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz) says its U.S. subsidiary, GTT North America, has signed an agreement with Conrad Shipyard, LLC, Morgan City LA, for the future production of LNG membrane tanks using GTT’s technology.

The signing of the agreement initiates the process of training and preparing Conrad to offer GTT’s membrane containment technologies for LNG storage, transportation, and fuel tanks. The training process will include the construction of a membrane tank model to exhibit Conrad Shipyard’s manufacturing and installation expertise.

The successful construction of the model tank will demonstrate to both regulatory agencies and classification societies the shipyard’s skills and experience in the production of sophisticated membrane technologies.

Earlier this year, Conrad and naval architecture and marine engineering firm Bristol Harbor Group International (BHGI) developed a concept design for a 4,200 cubic meter LNG bunker barge, adapting BHGI’s proven 35,000 bbl, oil barge platform technology to include two LNG cargo tanks fitted with GTT’s proprietary Mark III Flex Containment System technology. The use of GTT membrane cargo tanks increase in LNG storage capacity by 40% compared to the alternative “type C” storage tanks in the same barge footprint.

A 3,000 cu.m version coastal transport version of the design, with the type C tanks, has already received ABS approval in principle (AIP) (see earlier story).

“We are very proud to announce this partnership with a top-quality shipyard like Conrad who has worked closely with us to reach the first agreement of this kind in North America,” said Aziz Bamik, GTT North America General Manager. “This milestone represents a reentry of GTT membrane systems into the U.S .shipbuilding market. With Conrad as an industrial partner, production can begin for reliable and cost effective LNG barges, LNG fueled vessels/tugs, and onshore LNG tanks, all of which will meet today’s growing US market requirements.”

“This partnership further solidifies Conrad Shipyards commitment to provide our customers the safest, best quality equipment that meets their requirements for service and dependability. We are aligning ourselves with GTTNA, a worldwide leader in the field of membrane technology, to assure that we can meet that commitment,” said Conrad COO Terry Frickey.