HHI receives approval for VLCC 'eco-tanker' design
LR has presented HHI (Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd) with approval in principle (AiP) for a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) ‘eco-tanker’ design, capable of using a combination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) mixed with LNG as fuel and Norsepower’s rotor sail solution for wind-assisted propulsion. This development was the result of a joint development project (JDP) collaboration between HHI, LR and Norsepower.
The VOC recovery system was developed by HHI and will allow the VLCC to use fuel produced from naturally-occurring vapor from the cargo tank during operation. The AiP has been verified for interface and control logic stability with other systems, resulting in reduced emissions and stably improved efficiency.
The impact of the installation of Norsepower’s rotor sail solution, such as structural reinforcement and visibility calculation, was reviewed using computational-fluid dynamics (CFD) during the JDP and it was confirmed that it has the potential of providing 5-7% fuel savings, dependent on operating routes.
LR facilitated a high-level hazard and operability (HAZOP) workshop for the LNG fuel supply system and associated technology in accordance with LR’s ShipRight Procedure for Risk-Based Designs. The concept design has been examined in conjunction with the result of the HAZOP.
This AiP demonstrates the potential for reducing emissions in ship designs, by combining VOC recovery and LNG in a dual-fuel system with the addition of rotor sails, to help the shipping industry address the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
