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Det Norske Veritas AS (DNV) has launched a new crude oil tanker concept that is fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The new concept vessel, named Triality, has been developed through a DNV innovation project. As its name indicates, it fulfils three main goals: it is environmentally superior to a conventional crude oil tanker, its new solutions are feasible and based on well known technology, and it is financially attractive compared to conventional crude oil tankers operating on heavy fuel oil.

DNV CEO Henrik O. Madsen [pictured], who presented the new concept in London today, said: “I am convinced that gas will become the dominant fuel for merchant ships. By 2020, the majority of owners will order ships that can operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG). As a leading class society, DNV has an important role to play in finding more environmentally friendly solutions for the shipping industry, and I’m proud of what has been achieved for the crude oil tanker segment through this innovation project that we are presenting today.”

Less harm to the environment

The Triality concept VLCC has been compared to a conventional VLCC. Both ships have the same operational range and can operate in the ordinary spot market. Compared to the traditional VLCC, DNV says the Triality VLCC will:

* emit 34 percent less CO2
* eliminate entirely the need for ballast water
* eliminate entirely the venting of cargo vapours (VOCs)
* use 25 percent less energy

Less harm will also be caused to the health of people living close to busy shipping routes and ports as NOx emissions will be reduced by more than 80 percent while emissions of SOx and particulate matter will fall by as much as 95 percent, DNV says.

The new concept tanker has two high pressure dual fuel slow speed main engines fuelled by LNG, with marine gas oil as pilot fuel. The next phase of the Triality concept development will review the use of dual fuel medium speed engines and pure gas engines.

Two IMO type C pressure tanks capable of holding 13 500 m3 LNG - enough for 25 000 nautical miles of operation - are located on the deck in front of the superstructure. The generators are dual fuel (LNG and marine gas oil) while the auxiliary boilers producing steam for the cargo oil pumps operate on recovered cargo vapours (VOCs).

Environmentally superior ship also profitable

When it comes to the additional cost of building a vessel like Triality and the reduced cost of operating it, Henrik O. Madsen’s conclusion is clear: “It is possible to develop an environmentally superior ship and be profitable at the same time. Our best estimate is an additional capital expenditure of 10-15% for a Triality VLCC newbuilding compared to a traditional VLCC. Even with this extra cost included, we estimate a reduced life cycle cost equal to 25 percent of the newbuilding cost for a traditional VLCC.

“Triality is a concept vessel and a ship builder will need to prepare a detailed design before the first Triality crude oil tanker can be constructed. The Triality concept is based on well known and proven components and systems, so in principle a Triality crude oil tanker introducing all or some of the innovative elements in the concept can be designed today. I am convinced that the Triality concept will create great interest among ship builders and crude oil tanker operators, so that the first Triality crude oil tanker will leave a shipyard before the end of 2014,” concluded Madsen.