ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to a new gas containment system concept designed in Norway by Brevik Technology, a Vard subsidiary.
The containment system uses a series of independent, cylindrical IMO Type-B tanks and for the AIP was designed for application in a gas carrier of 30,000 cbm.
ABS assessed the concept against the requirements of the International Gas Code, ABS Rules and the ABS Guide for Liquefied Gas Carriers with Independent Tanks. Since the tank design is a novel concept, a HAZID study was also performed.
ABS chairman, president and CEO Christopher Wiernicki noted: “Designers are increasingly looking to extend the gas carrier concept into new trades, serving new markets.” ABS is a leading provider of maritime shipping and offshore classification services.
Brevik reckons its design is 15 to 20% less expensive to construct than a membrane containment system.
The tank design was created by Brevik Technology with the intention of lowering the cost of construction for LNG and LPG carriers while providing a solution for the small-scale transport of gas.
“In creating the design, it was emphasized that no thermal induced forces were transferred from the ship to the tank and vice versa due to temperature variations,” says Øystein Kristoffersen Sæther, Managing Director, Vard Engineering Brevik. “The use of a cylindrical tank also means that the potential for damage from sloshing is low.”