Imabari awarded AIP for concept design of LPG dual-fuelled Capesize bulker

ClassNK has granted an approval in principle (AIP) to Imabari Shipbuilding for its concept design of a 180,000DWT LPG dual-fuel Capesize bulk carrier developed in cooperation with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding.

The design will eliminate the necessity for special consideration of boil off gas as it could handle LPG at room temperature and high pressure, thereby making the ship’s operation easier. In addition, the ship will not be built using low-temperature materials such as stainless steel and cryogenic insulation.

Further, the LPG tank is planned to be installed in the aft area of the bridge and with round-trip distance capacity between Japan and Australia.

ClassNK added that, as for supplying LPG to the ship, LPG supply bases and infrastructure facilities are globally more developed and improved, which makes the ship’s operation more flexible.

ClassNK said this is the first LPG dual-fuel bulk carrier in the world to be granted an AIP by any classification society.