---

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd (DSME) and Germanischer Lloyd (GL) claim that they have proved the feasibility of running large container vessels on LNG in a recently completed joint project.

At a press conference held during the Kormarine Trade Fair in Busan, both parties communicated the 'progress' they have made so far towards developing LNG-fuelled large container vessels. GL said it recently obtained approval, in principle, to develop a 14,000TEU LNG-fuelled container vessel for DSME.

"New technology is needed as cleaner transport is increasingly demanded and maritime environmental regulations are becoming ever stricter," said Frederick Ebers, Vice President and Area Manager for North East Asia, GL. "DSME and GL have acknowledged this challenge and agreed in 2010 to jointly start exploring technology options and safety concepts for large LNG-fuelled container vessels."

Following Mr.Seo from DSME, who demonstrated the design concept of this LNG-fuelled container vessel, Dr. Gerd-Michael Wuersig elaborated on the safety concepts involved. Dr. Wuersig is Deputy Head of Environmental Research Department of GL and also a member of IMO Correspondence Group for the development of the Code for Gas as Ship Fuel (IGF-Code).

He pointed out that most technical systems have been developed and examined and the major challenge lies in how to apply these technologies, especially when it comes to ensuring safe bunkering procedures.

"You have to guarantee there is no gas spill and protection measures against incidents and collisions are sufficient. Relevant solutions are under evaluation and will be available soon," he said.

Dr. Wuersig also mentioned that there are no restrictions on companies looking to build LNG-powered vessels on the basis of the interim guidelines because LNG-fueled vessels built according to the interim guidelines MSC. 285(86) will "certainly be allowed to operate", even if the IGF-Code is enforced, he said.

The IMO has agreed to reduce SOX emissions by controlling the sulphur content in marine fuels from 2015 onwards. For new vessels operating in ECAs (emission control areas), an 80 percent reduction of NOX emissions versus 2010 levels is required, starting from 2016. "This will make conventional fuel unattractive. But LNG can be an environmentally and economically sound option due to its high efficiency and lower impact on environment," said Dr. Wuersig.

Looking ahead, Dr. Wuersig predicted: "LNG-fueled cargo ships will be emerging on a large scale in the latter half of this decade. And there is a great potential for container ships to become one of the first cargo vessels using LNG as ship fuel."

GL has been a leading player in the adoption of relevant rules for LNG-fuelled ships. Under the assistance of GL, the IMO Committee on Maritime Safety developed and adopted "Interim Guidelines on Safety for Natural Gas-Fuelled Engine Installations in Ships". GL has also published guidelines for gas as a ship fuel.

GL is also currently involved in converting a 25,000 dwt product tanker Bit Viking [pictured] into the first GL-classed gas-fuelled ship.