Singapore-based LNG Easy is joining forces with China’s Bluesoul and Finland-based designer Deltamarin, a part of China Merchants Group, to develop new large LNG carrier designs based on type B tanks.
According to a statement by LNG Easy issued via its social media, the three firms signed a “long-term mutually exclusive commercialization agreement” to work on the designs.
Also, LNG Easy said that Bluesoul and Torgy LNG jointly developed the patented Bastion B tank technology, using Aluminum 5083 as a material.
“It will be of prismatic shape and free from sloshing concerns. The construction and installation method for the cargo tanks will enable the shipbuilder to save estimated 10-11 months in construction time, overcoming bottlenecks in skilled welders, drydock space, outfitting quay and gantry-crane capacity,” it said.
LNG Easy said the designs would focus on bigger sizes which would offer FOB buyers or DES sellers for long-haul LNG trade better economy of scale.
“The ships built to these designs will be great spot traders/floaters as well as mother vessels for breakbulk operations through ship-to-ship transfer. The vessels are capable of loading/unloading in any quantity and sail in partially loaded conditions, catering to the increasing trend of LNG commoditization and gaining pace for LNG bunkering,” the firm said.
LNG Easy develops LNG retail and import solutions while Bluesoul is a Shanghai-based marine technology provider founded in 2015, funded by Citic Capital.
Back in 2019, Bluesoul acquired the Norwegian technology firm Torgy LNG.
Designer Deltamarin has won several LNG contracts in the last couple of years, including for LNG-powered vessels, and is also working on new designs for LNG and hydrogen-powered vessels.
