Page 62: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Jul/Aug 2014)

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Vessels

Tank support for the LNG revolution

A modern descendant of the ? rst LNG containment system for ships could become one of the key technologies carrying gas transport and trading into tomorrow. Joe Evangelista reviews its evolution.

ABS-classed , the world’s ? rst LPG FPSO.Sanha

The SPB “Type B” tank was developed in hen the new Panama Canal Tank support for gas-fueled initiatives

Japan by IHI and received AIP from ABS opens in late 2015, it will Developed in Japan by Ishikawajima- in 1983. Photo from ABS .Surveyor

W give easy cross-ocean access Harima Heavy Industries (IHI), the next- to much of the current world LNG carrier generation LNG containment system has Shipbuilding to form Japan Marine ? eet. Such ease of transport could help spent a long time waiting for its day in United (JMU) in early 2013, the contain- the current regional pricing of natural gas the sun. It received approval in principal ment system retains its original name: and give rise to a consistent worldwide (AIP) from ABS in 1983, made its ? rst the IHI-SPB tank. SPB stands for self-sup- market in which gas is traded like oil. appearance in an LNG carrier in 1993 porting, prismatic IMO Type B indepen-

If that happens, a regular spot market and now is poised to help the natural gas dent tank containment system. The word for LNG could develop, presenting new industry grow, evolve and meet the needs “independent” means the cargo hold is opportunity as LNG traders would need of a changing world. not integral to the ship’s hull. “Prismatic” carriers that can travel with partially Although the IHI Group merged its refers to the tank’s beveled geometry. loaded tanks. shipbuilding division with Universal And “Type B” denotes its classi? cation

Based on the design of under the IMO Code for the

SPB “Type B” Tank traditional bulk liquid cargo Construction and Equipment spaces, the IHI-SPB is a prefab- of Ships Carrying Lique? ed ricated metal tank designed for Gases in Bulk, more com- transporting lique? ed gases. It monly known as the has a particular combination of International Gas Code (IGC).

characteristics that is drawing The principal attractions intense interest from the energy of the tank are a proven sector among operators consider- immunity to sloshing prob- ing building ? oating LNG facili- lems that allows LNG ships ties and from the shipping sector to go to sea partially loaded among owners contemplating – even in harsh weather – the emergence of an LNG spot and a customizable geometry market. that, among other bene? ts,

July 2014 | OE oedigital.com 64 064_OE0714_Vessels1_ABS.indd 64 6/20/14 5:14 PM