Besides GTT, other partners in the project include charterer Sinochem Oil Shipping (Singapore), shipowners Cosco Shipping LNG Investment (Shanghai) and Shandong Marine Energy (Singapore), shipyard Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry, and ship designer Marine Design & Research Institute of China.
As part of this project, GTT will contribute its expertise to the development of the cryogenic cargo tank’s design and its associated handling systems, while other firms will contribute in their respective fields of expertise to ensure the vessel perfectly fits tomorrow’s market, according to a GTT statement.
With a total cargo capacity of 200,000 cbm, the vessel will incorporate three cargo tanks and will be designed to operate at reduced speed.
GTT said this operational approach allows for a “significant” reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per unit of cargo transported, while improving overall energy efficiency.
This new design, based on three identical high-capacity tanks, aims to explore Opex optimisation opportunities without increasing Capex, when compared to conventional 174,000 cbm LNG carriers with four tanks.
Eventually, the overall design will be independently reviewed by the two classification societies DNV China and China Classification Society, GTT said.
The target of this project is to get an approval in principle (AiP) later this year from each classification.
GTT added that this validation will ensure the vessel’s compliance with applicable international regulations and its compatibility with the safety, environmental and operational standards required for future newbuild projects.
Back in 2023, Hudong-Zhonghua and GTT developed a new 174,000-cbm LNG carrier design with three storage tanks.
In December last year, GTT also secured approval from LR for its three-tank LNG carrier with a capacity of 200,000 cbm.
Earlier this year, Hudong-Zhonghua received approvals from classification societies for a three-tank LNG carrier design with a capacity of 200,000 cbm.
