MHI Secures Orders for Next-Generation LNG Carriers to Transport U.S. Gas

Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries mentioned Wednesday it has secured two orders from Japanese purchasers to construct next-generation LNG carriers to move U.S. gasoline.

MHI says that one LNG provider every might be delivered to 2 joint ventures that Chubu Electric Power Co. has established with Mitsui O.S.Okay. Lines (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), respectively.

The vessels might be constructed to the so-called “Sayaringo STaGE” design, which achieves vital enhancements in each LNG carrying capability and gasoline effectivity by way of the adoption of a extra environment friendly hull construction and an progressive hybrid propulsion system.

Both vessels on order are scheduled for completion and supply in 2018, at which level they are going to be put into service for transporting North American-produced shale gasoline primarily from the Freeport LNG Project in Texas, an initiative through which Chubu Electric Power is collaborating.

The two orders have been obtained by way of MI LNG Company, Limited, a three way partnership between MHI and Imabari Shipbuilding. The vessels might be constructed at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works.

The vessels can have a size total of 297.5 meters, width of 48.94m, depth of 27.0m and draft of 11.5m. Each provider comes with 4 apple-shaped tanks, an improved model of Moss-type tanks designed with a bulging higher half. Total holding capability of the tanks might be 180,000 cubic meters (m3).

The adoption of a tank cowl built-in with the hull, developed by MHI with assist from Aker Arctic Technology, allows a lighter vessel whereas absolutely retaining total structural energy. The new design additionally reduces wind resistance throughout navigation.

MHI notes that the vessels can have a width permitting for passage by way of the expanded Panama Canal.

The LNG carriers on order may also characteristic a hybrid propulsion system dubbed “STaGE” (Steam Turbine and Gas Engines). MHI say that plant effectivity has been considerably improved by way of the efficient use of the engine’s waste warmth for steam turbine, leading to a highly-efficient propulsion system at a variety of speeds.

The newest two orders come on the heels of an order for 2 Sayaringo STaGE LNG carriers in April, preceded by an order positioned in January for 2 next-generation LNG carriers to move shale gasoline produced in North America.

Effective October 1st MHI will launch a wholly-owned ship building firm and switch all operations within the building of large-scale business ships within the Nagasaki district to the brand new entity. MHI says that the initiative will focus the corporate’s shipbuilding construction on the development of gasoline carriers, a vessel sort that MHI is taken into account a number one shipbuilder of.

The Freeport LNG Project is underway on the Freeport LNG terminal in Texas and requires the institution of a brand new pure gasoline liquefaction facility to refine and liquefy shale gasoline and different pure gases produced within the U.S. at a charge of as much as 13.2 million tons per 12 months. The launch of economic manufacturing is scheduled for round 2018.