DNV GL has conducted a risk assessment “hazard identification study (HAZID)” on a series of three methanol-fuelled tankers for owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and shipyard Minami Nippon Shipbuilding in Japan.
The vessels have a flex fuelled low speed diesel engine using methanol and/or heavy fuel oil. DNV GL has been involved since the early design phase to work on the structure and maintenance of the fuel system as well as the vessel’s voyaging, bunkering and cargo operations and to identify risks and hazards and propose countermeasures to ensure safety.
The new vessels will be built to NK class and chartered to Waterfront Shipping Company (WFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Methanex Corporation. Sister vessels are being built to DNV GL class by a shipyard in Korea. The vessels will also be chartered to WFS.
Methanol
Methanol is a low SOx fuel that is gaining interest due to its availability, cost and technical feasibility. Methanol has many advantages as a fuel, but as is the case with all fuels, it also has hazards that must be managed, such as toxicity and flammability.
The new ships must meet the requirements of the IMO Interim Guideline MSC 285(86).
A year ago, DNV GL was the very first class society to introduce rules for low flashpoint maritime fuel. This HAZID process has proven to be very productive and will go towards building industry-wide expertise in this promising new fuel.
