HomeNewsGTT receives AiP for 1-barg membrane tanks on LNG-powered vessels

GTT receives AiP for 1-barg membrane tanks on LNG-powered vessels

6/4/2025
  • Having demonstrated the safety equivalence of its reinforced design, GTT now offers its Mark III membrane technology at an effective pressure of 1 barg, above the current 0.7 barg standard, giving operators greater operational flexibility.
  • Combined with the outstanding insulation performance of the Mark III membrane technology, the 1 barg tank design pressure will enable LNG dual-fuel vessels to comply with future port regulations requiring cold ironing at quayside.

GTT announces that it has received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV for its membrane tank design rated for 1 barg1, suitable for LNG2 dual-fuel vessels. This approval extends the operating range of the Mark III technology, following the DNV’s AiP for a 2 barg design pressure on smaller-capacity tanks, notably suited to cruise-ships.

It offers ship-owners several key benefits, including:

  • Extended pressure-holding time

Increasing the design pressure significantly lengthens the time before the tank reaches its maximum pressure, greatly reducing the need to burn boil-off gas during periods of low engine load.

  • Warmer-temperature bunkering

Vessels fitted with these tanks can load LNG at warmer temperatures, giving operators access to a broader range of LNG suppliers.

  • Cold-ironing compliance

The enhanced pressure capacity will enable LNG-powered vessels to comply with upcoming cold ironing regulations at the quayside (e.g., under the AFIR directive[3]) without compromising tank integrity, enhancing environmental performance while optimising LNG consumption
and supporting compliance with emerging carbon intensity standards.

DNV’s AiP confirms that GTT’s 1 barg solution achieves safety equivalence with conventional atmospheric-pressure tank designs. The approval is based on a comprehensive evaluation of containment integrity, fuel gas handling systems, tank domes, and hull structure under elevated pressure scenarios.

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, declared: “We are pleased to secure DNV’s Approval in Principle. This innovation underlines our commitment to delivering practical, future-proof solutions that enhance operational flexibility, reduce emissions and support ship-owners in meeting evolving environmental regulations.”

Martin Cartwright, Global Business Director, Gas Carriers at DNV, stated: "We are thrilled to be working with GTT on this project and to award this AiP for this membrane tank development. This represents a significant step in enhancing LNG tank flexibility to meet evolving regulatory demands and is a good example of how technical advancement and regulatory foresight can go hand in hand to support the maritime energy transition. We look forward to continued collaboration.”

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