Lloyd’s Register has provided approval in principle (AIP) for the new "Clean Sky" bulk carrier design incorporating an LNG-as-fuel system. Cosco, Golden Union and Lloyd’s Register started the project in June 2011 to investigate the potential to develop a commercially viable bulk carrier design based on an existing Cosco conventional design, but employing gas powered propulsion systems.
The "Clean Sky" design builds in flexibility by enabling owners to choose dual, or tri-fuel engines able to burn, heavy fuel oil (HFO) or diesel, as well as LNG.
Beyond the Concept Stage
Nick Brown, Lloyd’s Register’s Area General Manager and Marine Manager, Greater China: 'This news moves the industry far beyond the concept stage. A Clean Sky ship could be built next year. We have addressed the technology issues; the approval in principle that we have issued only comes after exhaustive risk investigations into the gas containment, bunkering systems and performance assessment.'
Type "C" Tank
Various containment systems and configurations were considered by the project team, but the final choice was for a single, 1,160 m3 type "C" tank that sits aft on the port side. Lloyd’s Register’s Risk Methodology for Novel Technology process provided a pathway through the complexity of the technical risk assessment.
Pay-Off after a Few Years
Golden Union: 'Looking at the commercial perspective of LNG as a ship’s fuel, the capital expense of installing an LNG fuel system should be paid off after few years by operating expense savings, especially if a vessel is trading within ECAs. Global reserves in LNG greatly surpass oil reserves. LNG is becoming more readily available in the market. This, in combination with steady demand, should reduce price volatility in comparison with HFO. Keeping this in mind, HFO and marine diesel and marine gasoil prices will be likely to increase faster than LNG rates, speeding up the pay-off of the system.'
To date, LNG-as-fuel research, technology development and newbuilding activities have focused on specific niche sectors such as ferries, offshore vessels and short sea, or inland, trades. This project paves the way for take-up in deep sea bulk carrier trades – and for tankers.
Clean Sky Design – Main Particulars
- Length overall: 229.0m
- Breadth: 32.26m
- Depth: 20.25m
- Draft, design: 12.20m
- Draft, scantling: 14.50m
- Deadweight: 81,000 dwt
- Engine: MAN B&W 6S60ME C-8.2 – GI Tier II
- Gas containment: 1 x 1,160 cu. m ‘C’ type tank
- Speed: 14.10 knots (excluding any Energy Saving Devices)
Picture: The Clean Sky design paves the way for take-up in deep sea bulk carrier trades – and for tankers
