ABS approves Hyundai Heavy’s near-shore FLNG hull design

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the leading provider of classification and technical services to the global offshore industry, has granted approval in principle (AIP) to a Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) hull design.

Specifically conceptualized for near-shore operations, the vessel was designed with a length of 1,050 feet (320 meters), a breadth of 197 feet (60 meters), and a 39-feet (12-meter) draft, with LNG storage capacity of 200,000 cubic meters using the GTT MARK III technology.

The current state of the energy markets presents an opportunity for companies to be innovative and competitive by reducing engineering, procurement and commissioning costs, ABS says. According to HHI, the near-shore FLNG hull concept design delivers an estimated one-third cost reduction compared to a standard FLNG hull.

“In this depressed gas market, developing a price-competitive, near-shore FLNG hull with ABS could lead to providing the FLNG market with a novel approach to reduce the risks experienced in recent offshore EPC projects,” said Yun-Sik Lee, executive vice president of the shipbuilding division at HHI.

ABS and HHI teams collaborated in a joint development project (JDP) with the objective of developing a technically feasible and price-competitive FLNG hull design by adopting the latest industry standards and advanced shipbuilding practices, while maintaining high safety standards.

“ABS has a history of helping the industry move forward by evaluating novel designs,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, the chairman, president and CEO of ABS. “Our joint development project with HHI is another example of the trust our clients place in ABS’ technical leadership.”

ABS has been the preferred classification society for the offshore and energy industry for more than 60 years. With increasing global concern for the environment, clean gas-based energy plays an integral role within that framework. ABS says it applies its experience and knowledge to support members and clients involved in gas-related projects, including LNG and LPG transportation, the use of LNG and other gases as fuel and emerging offshore LNG terminal technology projects.

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