Built to BV class and delivered by HHI in 2022, Clean Cajun has a capacity of 200,000 m3 (source: HHI)
US-based Venture Global LNG has ordered two more 200,000-m3 LNG carriers from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), increasing its orders at the South Korea shipyard to five
This latest order was reported during week 43, 2022 and follows a contract for three placed in March this year “without options attached”, reported BRL Weekly Newbuilding Contracts. Those three LNG carriers were ordered at a price of around US$236M apiece. “The latest duo placed are priced at a higher US$250M each, breaching the highest total yet for a very large gas carrier” noted BRL, adding, “However, the capacity of all five is the highest yet ordered against standard 174,000-m3 vessels and probably influenced pricing.”
The first of vessel in this latest order will be delivered in September 2026, followed by the second in December 2026.
Trend towards larger LNG carriers
Could the Venture Global LNG newbuilds be a sign of things to come? In a recent note, class society Bureau Veritas (BV) pointed out that demand for molecules from the US may help accelerate a trend towards much larger capacity LNG carriers, “which is no doubt welcome news to those fretting over fuel shortages.”
While noting a few of these larger size LNG carriers have been ordered or entered service for the US, the class society said, “The trend in gas carrier size is global. Larger vessels are proving to be one of the necessary features of the future maritime world.”
Larger-size vessels in other sectors, such as the dry bulk, tanker and container – and, of course Q-Max and Q-Flex LNG vessels – evolved to take advantage of economies of scale.
BV says carrying as much as 200,000 m3, these LNG carriers are able to transport larger cargoes over longer distances than standard 174,000-m3 vessels. “This will enable greater flexibility in transcontinental operations, crucial in a fluctuating energy market. Additionally, these high-capacity vessels are designed with four cargo tanks which make them simpler to handle and reduces associated capex and opex compared with similar existing Q-Flex carriers,” said the class society.
The Bureau Veritas-classed fleet inlcudes nine 200,000-m3 LNG carriers, each of which is equipped with four large tanks. Safety is paramount in the transport and transfer of LNG. BV helps to minimise risks by performing computer fluid dynamic analysis to reduce sloshing risks.
BV pointed out these vessels also provide shipowners with commercial advantages and future-proofing potential. “But size is not the only design innovation when it comes to tanks,” said BV. “The ability to carry one or several liquefied gases in proven or developing containment systems is also under investigation.” BV said Type A and C tanks can be used for ammonia as an alternative with other cargos, mainly LPG.
“Membrane tanks for larger ships will also need further development – possibly allowing ammonia and hydrogen cargoes. Additionally, studies into the use of ammonia as fuel – and potentially hydrogen as fuel – possibly mixed with other fuels to be used as both cargo and fuel are in development,” added BV.
