“Ballast water-free” LNG bunkering vessel design secures AIP from DNV, CCS

DNV and China Classification Society (CCS) have awarded a double approval in principle (AIP) for a new design of LNG bunkering vessel jointly developed by France’s GTT and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.

One notable feature of the design is the absence of a ballast water treatment system, which GTT said will result in reductions in energy consumption and the vessel’s own carbon footprint. The design implies that ballast water will no longer be needed to maintain the vessel’s seaworthiness even with empty or partially loaded fuel tanks.

In addition to performing bunkering of LNG-powered ships, the vessel will also be capable of operating as a feeder that will transport LNG cargo for offloading at dedicated onshore storage facilities.