STX Offshore & Shipbuilding holds steel cutting ceremony for LNG carrier
South Korean STX Offshore & Shipbuilding has commenced steel cutting for the first high-tech ship of a series of four liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) said. Steel cutting for the second serial LNG vessel is scheduled for July 11, 2012. The newbuilds were booked by Russian SCF Group for Gazprom Global LNG, acting as a charterer. RS will act as the lead society.
The vessels will be built to a joint class of RS and Lloyd's Register (LR): KM (*) Ice2 AUT 1 OMBO EPP ANTI-ICE LI CCO ECO-S WINTERIZATION (-30) Gas carrier type 2G (methane).
The membrane-type LNG carrier with capacity of 170 cbm features Tri-Fuel Diesel Electric Propulsion system, allowing utilization of LNG as fuel.
"The use of gas will significantly reduce emissions of NOx and SOx, which is a prerequisite for modern ships in the light of tougher international requirements to emissions from ships," RS said.
The vessels are intended for LNG transportation between the existing LNG terminals, including year-round gas shipments from Russia's first LNG terminal - "Sakhalin-2", and in the future - from LNG terminal for Shtokman gas condensate field.
To ensure the project surveyors of RS have received special training at the modern shipyards engaged in building LNG carriers in South Korea and China, as well as inspecting LNG carriers in operation (United Arab Emirates, Singapore).
Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is one of the leading classification societies, established in 1913. RS activity is aimed at ensuring maritime safety, protection of human life and pollution prevention. RS is recognized by the European Union is a member of IACS, associate member of INTERTANKO, BIMCO and INTERCARGO.