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The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a provider of classification and technical services to the global marine and offshore industries, has classed the world's largest ethane/ethylene-capable liquefied gas carrier, the Navigator Aurora.

As previously reported by Bunker Index, the vessel was delivered to Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai on 2nd August. It has a cargo carrying capacity in excess of 37,000 cubic metres and is fitted with dual fuel engines that enable the ship to operate on either diesel fuel or LNG.

"The dynamics of the global gas industry demand a commitment to developing novel projects to take advantage of new opportunities," said Kirsi Tikka, ABS Executive Vice President of Global Marine. 2As a leader in classing the most advanced gas projects in the world, ABS is proud to work with Navigator Gas, Jiangnan Shipyard, and all stakeholders in making the Navigator Aurora a success."

The Navigator Aurora has been chartered for a minimum of 10 years to the European chemical group Borealis for the transport of ethane from the U.S. East Coast to Europe, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016.

"In the coming years, we expect to see many more projects being developed to service the expanding gas export market from the United States," remarked ABS Vice President of Global Gas Solutions Patrick Janssens. "With our experience with the latest technologies for gas carriers and LNG fueled ships, we are well positioned to assist our clients with their new projects. Our strong presence in the US and longstanding history of assisting industry stakeholders with understanding United States Coast Guard regulations make us the obvious choice for companies that need to support vessels operating in US waters."

A leading classification body for the safe transport and handling of gas, ABS classed the world's first LNG carrier, the Methane Pioneer, in 1959, and has extensive experience with the full scope of gas-related assets. It recently announced a joint project to develop an LNG-fuelled dry bulk carrier concept and the first shipment of LNG from Sabine Pass.

The ABS Global Gas Solutions Team assists clients around the world in cutting-edge gas projects, including LNG, ethane and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) transportation and the expanding use of LNG and other low flash point fuels.

Image: Navigator Aurora