ABS grants GDA approval to HHI LNG fuel tank design

Classification society ABS has granted a Certificate of General Design Approval (GDA) for an IMO Type B LNG fuel tank design developed by shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries.

HHI's fuel tank design was conceptualized and developed to minimize the loss of cargo space on gas-fueled vessels and effectively use available area on board the vessel.

The initial design is based on a 14,500 TEU containership, but can be sized for other ship types and sizes. In issuing the GDA, ABS determined that the design is in compliance with the relevant ABS Rules and Guides as well as the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

"We are pleased to issue this approval that represents our involvement in the expanding gas fuel market and further promotes the adoption of LNG as fuel," says ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. "As a technology leader, ABS works collaboratively with project stakeholders to evaluate new innovations and navigate the associated safety challenges."

"Working with ABS as our advisor, we were able to prove and determine the feasibility of our Type B fuel tank design concept," says HHI Senior Executive Vice President Yunsik Lee. "Together, we applied the latest safety standards to the design, bringing us closer to incorporating this innovative fuel tank design into new containerships."