TECH NEWS

JDP Aims to Develop Future-proof LNG Carrier Design

WÄRTSILÄ is working with ABS and China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (HZS) in a Joint Development Project (JDP) to develop a flexible, future-proof, and modular LNG carrier (LNGC) vessel concept. The multi-fuel electric vessel is intended to deliver immediate CO2 savings, and to be ready for the adoption of future decarbonization technologies to support zero-emission shipping ambitions.

Wärtsilä’s Integrated Systems and Solutions specialists are working alongside ABS specialists in Singapore, Houston and Athens and HZS’ R&D and LNGC design team in Shanghai to evaluate the vessel’s performance against the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) up to at least 2050.

This involves the use of advanced multi-physics modeling and simulation, and the application of various decarbonization technologies and solutions to the vessel’s design and operational modes.

The entire vessel design will be optimized around a compact, electrified, integrated, and efficient propulsion power solution that will lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions immediately. The design will also be ready to integrate new technologies in the future in order to stay ahead of the requirements of CII.

“The evolving demands of the CII mean vessels will need to be ready to continuously adapt to improve their rating and remain viable for the duration of their operational life,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS senior vice president, global engineering and technology. “Advanced multi-physics modeling and simulation techniques enable the development of a vessel with a strong CII profile at launch that is also equipped to take advantage of future decarbonization technologies as they mature.”

“We are very glad to closely work together with Wärtsilä and ABS to develop the new generation of LNG carriers offering a low-carbon footprint and low OPEX cost,” said Song Wei, R&D deputy director of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. “This state-of-the-art hybrid solution will be developed to power the future LNG carrier, enabling dual-fuel engines to run always at their best efficiency and providing flexible power supply modes to adapt to various load demands.”

“Shipowners are currently faced with unprecedented challenges and uncertainties as they attempt to plan for their fleets to meet the IMO’s CII trajectory of -70% by 2050. What is certain is that this planning must start now in order to safeguard a future-proof newbuild vessel design,” says Stefan Nysjö, vice president, power supply, Wärtsilä Marine Power. “By optimizing the vessel design around a compact, electrified and hybridized propulsion system, remarkably high efficiency will be maintained across a broad range of vessel speeds and power nodes—making it highly suitable to accommodate all needed vessel speed and voyage optimizations in the future.

“The modular and hybrid smart propulsion system also provides the correct foundation for the introduction of new and potentially highly intermittent low carbon energy sources and propulsion energy saving devices, both in the newbuild phase and also later as potential retrofit solutions.”

Hyundai Heavy Gains BV AiP For AmmoniaFueled Ammonia Carrier

BUREAU VERITAS (BV) has given an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (KSOE) for an ammonia-fueled ammonia carrier.

The design was developed to ensure its compatibility with the existing infrastructure for ammonia, while also reflecting the market’s demand for very large gas carriers (VLGCs).

The vessel will be 227 meters long, 36.6 meters wide, and 23.6 meters deep—similar dimensions to that of the HHI 91K VLGC design. It will be equipped with four prismatic-type cargo tanks with a total capacity of 91,000 cubic meters.

To maximize competitiveness for shipowners, both in terms of CAPEX and OPEX, the design was optimized for the safe and efficient carriage of ammonia as a single cargo.

The design builds on HHI’s expertise and experience with the transport of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The AiP certificate was delivered to Dong Jin Lee, Vice President of HHI by Matthieu de Tugny, President Marine & Offshore at BV, at a ceremony on BV’s Gastech exhibition stand in Dubai.

Ecochlor Seeks BWMS USCG Type Approval

NORTH HAVEN , CO NN., head quartered ballast water management system specialist Ecochlor has filed an application for the EcoOne Filterless and EcoOne Hybrid ballast water management systems (BWMS) with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for Type Approval. The systems were launched earlier this year.

“This application is an amendment to Ecochlor’s existing BWMS Type Approval; it is our expectation that the EcoOne and EcoOne Hybrid will receive USCG type approval certification by the end of 2021,” said Ecochlor CEO Steve Candito.

Type Approval applications have also been submitted to class societies LR, KR, BV and ABS, as well as the French and Greek flag administrations.

Ecochlor says its BWMS often exceed class society and industry standards and are “fit for purpose” all the way down to the component level. Each of the systems relies on the same core chlorine dioxide (ClO2 technology), which has distinct advantages over other disinfection techniques.

It is effective on all aquatic organisms, can operate anywhere in the world and does not require retreatment or neutralization at discharge.

Ecochlor says the filterless EcoOne BWMS can operate anywhere in marine and brackish waters (≥1PSU) with no restrictions on temperature or turbidity.

The EcoOne Hybrid BWMS (in filter mode of operation) has no operational limitations with temperature, turbidity or salinity and allows operation with filter or no-filter. This feature ensures that shipowners have the flexibility of unrestricted operation globally but with the convenience of a no-filter system.

Fueltrax Partners With Blockchain Specialist Topl

TO MEET the growing demand for greater transparency in energy trading operations, Fueltrax, a leading electronic fuel man agement solution (EFMS) pro vider for offshore vessels, has partnered with Houston-based blockchain specialist Topl to use its Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform.

With blockchain integrated into EFMS products, each step in the energy trading process has an equivalent digital step, including contract formation, asset tracking, and delivery of the product. As supply chain events occur in real-time, each is added to the Topl Blockchain, where a tamperproof record will live forever, providing more granular documentation and traceability.

Adding the Topl Blockchain to Fueltrax’s fuel monitoring sys tems and tech stack will allow clients to track, review, and offer proof of every change in the fuel transfer process.

The Topl Blockchain links all steps for vessel fuel transfers, creating a full, complete, verifiable digital record. Any changes made along the supply chain will be recorded immutably. Clients will now be able to easily report on the progress of successful bunker and transfer operations.

“The maritime industry knows how crucial it is to constantly improve security efforts in offshore operations,” says Anthony George, founder, and CEO of Fueltrax. “The Topl Blockchain will help us to add a layer of verification to assure vessels operations are performing to achieve company goals and help prove ethical practices while using Fueltrax technology.”

“Blockchain technology is ideally suited to thrive and deliver value in complex ecosystems.” says Kim Raath, founder and CEO of Topl. “The maritime shipping industry is composed of a web of parties and counterparties. Our technology is designed to cut through this.”