New York-based, Overseas Shipholding Group, one of the premier energy transportation companies in the world, together with its partner Qatar Gas Transport Company, has recently signed a contract for the largest LNG carriers on order to date. Two of these 216 000 m3 vessels will be constructed at Hyundai Heavy Industries and two at Samsung Heavy Industries – all four will be built to DNV class.
All the vessels will incorporate pioneering features – two slow speed engines, twin screws and reliquefaction plant. The GTT Mark III cargo containment design will be applied for these vessels.
The vessels are scheduled for delivery between last quarter of 2007 and first quarter of 2008. They are part of Qatar's planned LNG shipbuilding program which ultimately could comprise over 50 LNG carriers. Many of these will deliver Qatar LNG to the UK and US, and also Europe and Asia.
In 1962 DNV invented the double corrugated membrane cargo containment system which was patented and later developed further by the French. The double corrugated membrane is today used as primary gas barrier in the Mark III system.
In its continuing efforts to serve and support the LNG industry, DNV recently accepted an invitation to become an associate member of The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO).
The opening of the membership of SIGTTO to DNV compliments the increasing association DNV has with many of the major LNG players throughout the world.
At the same time, the membership enables DNV to make the experience gained from considerable investment in research and development available to a wider audience for the benefit of the LNG industry.