Page 63: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (October 2003)

EnerSea Transport LLC, in association with its maritime partners, Kawasaki

Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K"Line) and

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI), announced that its VOTRANS gas carrier achieved "Class Approval in

Principle" (AIP) from ABS (American

Bureau of Shipping). This is a major milestone in the companies' ability to deliver compressed natural gas (CNG) through the world's first commercial large scale marine gas transport system of its kind. "Class Approval in Principle is further independent validation of

VOTRANS' solid engineering founda- tion and allows us to launch our indus- try-leading CNG capabilities," said

EnerSea's Managing Director Paul

Britton.

This achievement enables EnerSea to commence commercial deployment of its VOTRANS gas transport services to the industry. With U.S. natural gas demand projected to reach 32 trillion cu. ft. by 2020, industry and government alike are seeking innovative solutions. "Undeveloped gas resources in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic

Canada, Alaska, Trinidad. Venezuela and Colombia are all ideal prospects for helping meet U.S. gas demand using

EnerSea's transport services," explained

Britton. EnerSea's plans for deployment will enable gas operators to begin ship- ping these new volumes in early 2007.

EnerSea and its partners recently con- cluded a comprehensive engineering program that started in June 2002 and culminated with the AIP award for its "V800" class vessel design. The V800 is designed to carry 700 to 800 million cu. ft. (mmcf) of natural gas, depending on the specific gas composition. EnerSea intends to use this vessel to support eco- nomic gas transportation services for applications with average supply rates ranging from 300 to 500 mmcf per day to markets up to 2,500 miles away.

CNG Carrier One Step Closer

VOTRANS V800* Main Particulars

Capacity 700 MMscf (lean) 800 MMscf (Rich)

Length, o.a 1,004 ft. (306 m)

Length, b.p 954.7 ft. (291 m)

Beam 164 ft. (50 m)

Hull depth 89.9 ft. (27.4 m)

Full load draft 33.8 ft. (10.3 m)

Lightship draft 24.6 ft. (7.5 m)

Full load displacement 120.300 mt

Lightship displacement 87.900 mt

Gas cargo weight 19.600 mt

Deadweight 40.6(H) mt

Service speed 18 knots

Crew 36

Classification ABS

October 2003 Circle 206 on Reader Service Card 61

Ships have become terrorist targets and potential terrorist weapons, m

Shipowners must meet new international _ and national regulatory standards designed to minimize such threats. 1 . ; w

ABS has developed a clear, concise Guide for Ship Security to assist owners understand these new requirements and develop practical strategies for compliance.

Simply call your nearest ABS representative w to discuss how ABS can help you develop ||i and implement, an effective, approved ship

BP security plan.

Setting Standards of

Excellence in Marine and Offshore Classification