DNV’s Triality innovation project has produced a VLCC that fulfils three main goals: it is environmentally superior to conventional VLCCs, has technically feasible solutions and is more economical than conventional VLCCs.

The introduction of inert gas systems (IGS), crude oil washing (COW), segregated ballast tanks (SBT), double hulls and Common Structural Rules (CSR) have all been important steps in the evolution of oil tankers over the last three to four decades. All of these improved safety and reduced oil pollution of the seas. The tanker industry can be proud of these achievements. Now the focus is shifting. Emissions to air are increasingly on the agenda of politicians, regulators, media and the public at large. The maritime industry can justifiably claim that shipping is the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

We have dedicated most of this issue of Tanker Update to the results of DNV’s recent internal fast track innovation project - Triality. The challenge given to a strong team of more than 35 of our staff was to develop a new concept VLCC with the same cargo carrying capacity and operational range as today’s ordinary VLCC. The new concept was to be characterised by the following main features: LNG fuelled, ballast-free and capable of effectively recovering Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), i.e. significant volumes of cargo vapours which would otherwise be lost to the atmosphere.

You may find the results of the project surprising and even exciting. The project was not intended to produce a detailed design or develop a complete specification. The aim was rather to identify possible solutions based on existing technology. The Triality VLCC will not be contracted in the very near future, but the project points in specific directions for the development of future designs. It is worth noting that features incorporated in the Triality concept may well be applied to smaller tankers too.

We expect Triality to receive a lot of attention. Some people will applaud it while sceptics will come forward with their objections. Sometimes cooperation is a key word for significant developments. Designers/yards, cargo owners/charterers, authorities and class societies all have important roles to play to meet the challenges we in the tanker industry will face in the years to come.

Our challenges may call for a bigger step this time…!

Enjoy the read.

Jan Koren, Segment Director Tankers

Date: 2010-12-15