On June 30, French engineering company GTT announced the launch of a joint innovation project with Hudong-Zhonghua aimed at optimizing the design and performance of LNG bunkering vessels.
GTT stated that the project will enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs by integrating advanced technologies and design improvements. The core of the project involves using GTT’s Mark III Flex membrane containment system to increase the effective pressure in LNG storage tanks. While the current industry standard pressure is 0.7 bar, the collaboration will raise the design pressure to 1 bar based on existing classification society certifications.
The innovative design is expected to deliver three key advantages: First, expanded operational flexibility, enabling LNG loading at higher temperatures and faster LNG delivery speeds. Second, improved energy efficiency by reducing the use of re-cooling units and lowering the vessel’s power consumption, particularly during standby periods. Third, anticipated compliance with regulatory requirements, as the extended tank holding time allows the new design to meet evolving environmental regulations in advance, including AFNIR’s recommendations on shore power.
The two parties will also assess the technical feasibility of further increasing the design pressure to 2 bar. This collaboration underscores GTT and Hudong-Zhonghua’s shared commitment to driving continuous innovation and supporting the energy transition in the shipping industry.
With the growing number of LNG-powered vessel orders, demand for supporting LNG bunkering infrastructure is also rising. This year has seen a surge in new orders for LNG bunkering vessels. Clarksons’ data shows that 15 new LNG bunkering vessel orders were placed globally in the first half of the year, compared to 16 orders for the entirety of 2024.
In May this year, Hudong-Zhonghua signed a letter of intent with Spanish shipping company IBAIZABAL for an 18,600-cubic-meter bunkering vessel. The 18,600-cubic-meter vessel, independently developed by Hudong-Zhonghua, represents the latest global benchmark in bunkering vessel technology (V3.0). With a total length of 135.9 meters, a beam of 24.5 meters, and a design speed of 12 knots, the vessel features GTT’s MARK III FLEX cargo containment system, offering a tank capacity of 18,600 cubic meters and a low boil-off rate. It boasts superior ship-to-shore compatibility, lower energy consumption and emissions, and enhanced energy efficiency and environmental performance.
