LR handed over the AiP to GTT during the LNG2026 conference in Doha last week.
The classification society said that the CUBIQ tank design aims to streamline project engineering and planning, simplify shipyard construction processes, and free up more cargo space on LNG-fueled vessels.
It brings a new approach to LNG containment by extending its suitability to various types of LNG-fuelled ships, including container and passenger ships.
Moreover, its near-cubic geometry eliminates traditional upper and lower chambers, enabling standardised engineering and simplifying construction.
With fewer complex corner areas, installation is faster, helping shipyards reduce build time, LR said.
According to LR, the approval also verified the ability of GTT CUBIQ to operate under 1 barg design pressure, a feature that would support cold ironing regulation compliance.
Pressure build-up capability for membrane tanks is being evaluated for GTT Mark III technology conventional designs for the use of LNG as fuel and is becoming a “key consideration” for LNG-fuelled newbuilds, it said.
In September last year, GTT announced that it had developed the cubic-shaped LNG fuel tank for commercial vessels, with a particular focus on LNG-fueled container vessels.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore granted an approval in principle for the CUBIQ design.
With a capacity of up to 14,000 cbm, the design is particularly suited to long-distance container routes.
LNG fuel orders
GTT received orders for ten LNG carriers, seven very-large ethane carriers, and 18 LNG-powered container vessels in the first half of this year.
The firm did not receive LNG fuel orders in the third quarter last year.
In January 2025, French shipping giant CMA CGM ordered 12 LNG dual-fuel containerships from South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The LNG tanks of these container vessels will have a capacity of 12,750 cbm.
Moreover, GTT announced a further order received in the second quarter, placed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and concerning the design of 8,000 cbm tanks for six new LNG-powered container ships on behalf of Greece’s Capital.
All of these LNG tanks will feature GTT’s Mark III Flex membrane containment system, along with the “1 barg” design, which allows an operating pressure of up to 1 barg.
