Global quality assurance and risk management firm DNV GL has presented engineering and technology group SENER with an Approval in Principle (AiP) Certificate for a LNG-fuelled bunkering vessel. The new innovative design has been found to comply with DNV GL class rules and all current and upcoming regulations, including the new emission control regulations and the IGF Code for fuel with a low flashpoint.

 

Two separate AiPs have been issued, covering the new design of the SENER LNG Bunkering Vessels (LBV) family – which consists of a small unit with a bunker capacity of 4,000m3 and a ‘big brother’ with a 8,000m3 bunkering capacity.                       

“We have focused our design on the optimisation of the cost, safety, efficiency and bunkering processes, by minimising Opex and Capex, reducing the risks during loading and bunkering operation, and managing and reducing the boil off,” advised Mr Rafael de Góngora, General Manager of Marine at SENER.

 

“LNG is emerging in several ship sectors and has a great potential but should be accomplished by the necessary port facilities and infrastructure capable of providing a quick and efficiency gas refuelling, in which LNG bunkering vessels will play an important role,” he continued. “SENER, with this project, will contribute to make this potential becoming a reality.” 

 

“Future-proof solution”

 

Mr Lucas Ribeiro, DNV GL Area Manager Iberia & France, commented that DNV GL was “very pleased” to have worked on the innovative design with SENER. “It offers our customers a flexible, safe and future-proof solution as well as the opportunity to facilitate LNG bunkering, while at the same time contributing to the decarbonisation of the maritime industry and further elimination of the emission of greenhouse gases,” he enthused. “We are delighted to have been able to support SENER in the development of the innovative LBV concept.” 

 

On top of the traditional topics like hull structure and stability, the approval process has paid special attention to the most innovating items of the project related to cargo handling (liquid and vapour), hazardous zones and risk assessment, mooring arrangement and quick release, manifold, transfer arms and hoses, as well as boil-off. 

 

The AiP Certificates were delivered at DNV GL’s Madrid office in a brief ceremony attended by SENER and DNV GL representatives.

 

With more than €2.5 billion in LNG contracts and references as EPC contractor such as Sagunto in Spain, Dunkirk in France, Zeebrugge in Belgium or Gate terminal in the Netherlands. SENER has become a leader in the LNG sector, applying technologies developed in-house.