ABS to class Pacific Gas 99,000 cu.m VLEC duo

Image: Pacific Gas

Two of the largest Very Large Ethane Carriers ever ordered are now under construction to ABS class for Pacific Gas (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited at China’s Jiangnan Shipyard.

The two 99,000 cu.m dual fuel VLECs are designed to be efficient and more environmentally friendly and feature the Type B Cargo Containment System “BrilliancE” developed by Jiangnan.

Jiangnan’s design is the product of deep engagement between engineers at Jiangnan and ABS during the conceptual stage, which resulted in ABS granting the design Approval in Principle in September last year.

As a tradition, Jiangnan always give a nickname to a newly developed ship. Jiangnan has assigned this novel VLEC as “Bluebonnet,” the state flower of Texas where ABS is headquartered,

“We are proud to support Jiangnan in delivering this industry milestone,” said Bill Shi, ABS Vice President, Global Engineering. “Only by working closely together have we been able to realize the potential of this design. These vessels are full of innovation that not only helps meet emissions objectives but will contribute to owners’ operational targets as well.”

“The innovations behind this Type B VLEC design open a new chapter in mass ethane transportation,” said Keyi Hu, Chief of Corporate Technology, Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co. Ltd. “In this interconnected world trade, Jiangnan and ABS have demonstrated the added value of working in a partnership to bring these largest Type B VLECs to the market.”

In addition to dual fuel technology, the vessels are equipped with a shaft generator. The vessels’ hydrodynamic line and internal space have also been comprehensively optimized.