Class society DNV GL and Keppel Marine & Deepwater Technology (KMDTech) are teaming up on newbuilding projects to boost the uptake of LNG as a ship fuel.
The Norwegian group and the subsidiary of the Singapore shipbuilder said the agreement covers potential construction of LNG bunker vessels, small-scale LNG carriers and floating storage regasification units, as well as LNG-related assets employing battery and hybrid technologies.
The first move will be for DNV GL to grant approval in principle certificates for two LNG bunker vessel designs from KMDTech.
These are 7,500-cbm small-scale LNG carriers, both with bunkering capabilities and one with additional hybrid battery propulsion.
An optimised deck arrangement for the modular LNG gas supply, filling and safety systems increase the cargo capacity and efficiency of the vessels, the companies said.
They are equipped with engines that can run on diesel and LNG, and will also have a class notation for LNG bunkering.
The companies will also work together to establish round-table discussions involving all stakeholders in the LNG-as-fuel value chain.
Work to take place in Singapore
The design and engineering office will be located at KMDTech Singapore.
“The signing of this agreement signifies another milestone in the close partnership between DNV GL as the leading classification society for LNG ships and offshore assets, and Keppel Offshore & Marine, a world leader in conversion projects for FSRUs and floating liquefied natural gas vessels as well as for newbuilding of small-scale LNG carriers and LNG bunker vessels,” said Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, DNV GL’s regional manager for South East Asia, Pacific and India.
Abu Bakar Mohd Nor, managing director of Keppel O&M for gas and specialised vessels, added: "Working with DNV GL enables us to demonstrate the strength of our vessel designs and the viability of LNG for shipowners.
"We have a strong track record in delivering LNG solutions including the first FLNGV conversion as well as LNG-fuelled vessels.”
