Gas Carriers

The vital link in LNG infrastructure

Increasing environmental regulations have brought LNG to the forefront as a clean fuel and a step in the right direction towards reducing CO₂ emissions of shipping. While safety remains first and foremost for gas carriers, a lot of attention is paid to maintaining the balance between environmental efficiency and manageable operation costs, which puts a premium on high-reliability designs. Vessels are being built to accommodate innovative technologies, and the potential for untapped gas resources in the Arctic has prompted a wave of interest in LNG tankers equipped to traverse polar waters.

How we support you

Bureau Veritas has a long history in gas carriers: we were the first classification society to create dedicated Rules for LNG carriers. Our expertise in gas carriers transporting both LPG and LNG, as well as their containment systems allows us to assess vessels of all types and sizes.

LONG HISTORY OF LNG INNOVATION

As pioneers in LNG classification, Bureau Veritas has the knowledge to class all types of liquefied natural gas carriers. We are technical experts, ready to address all challenges and support industry stakeholders in the safe development of new solutions.

Technology Report: MODERN LNG CARRIER TECHNOLOGY

Yamal -Bureau Veritas A leader in Gas Carrier Ice class - courtesy of DYNAGAS

A LEADER IN ICE CLASS

Demand for Arctic-ready LNG vessels is growing. Bureau Veritas offers a range of class notations, based on extensive research into ice loads and navigation in ice. We are the joint classification society for the 15 icebreaking LNG carriers serving the Yamal project in Russia’s Arctic.

A FINAL FLOURISH FOR YAMAL LNG

Approval of cargo containment systems

Bureau Veritas has in-depth knowledge of gas cargo containment systems, having worked on numerous concept approvals for manufacturers. This expertise makes Bureau Veritas the primary partner for containment systems designers and shipyards.

What is boil-off in gas tankers and how can it be reduced?

LNG carrier transport liquefied natural gas at a temperature close to vaporization (-163°C). This means that, despite tank insulation, even a small amount of heat will result in slight evaporation of the cargo, which is called “boil-off”. Bureau Veritas analyzes and issues approvals for containment systems that minimize boil-off, resulting in improved performance.

ADDRESSING SLOSHING RISK

Sloshing may present a challenge for gas carrying vessels as flexible cargo operations and floating storage regasification projects become more common. Our advanced Hydrofoam and OpenFoam CFD software allow Bureau Veritas to precisely simulate the hydrodynamic behavior of a ship and calculate the liquid motion within the cargo tanks.

Pioneering LNG bunkering

LNG bunkering vessels are crucial to the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel. Bureau Veritas was among the first classification societies to publish dedicated Rules for LNG bunkering, and classed the first-ever dedicated newbuild ship. We are the market leader in LNG bunkering vessels, including ships with a gas carrying capacity of up to 18,600 m³ and containment systems ranging from pressurized tanks to membrane tanks.

REVVING UP THE REVOLUTION: LNG BUNKERING IN SINGAPORE

Supporting ship conversions

Bureau Veritas is a leader in the classification of Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), including conversions of ships into efficient floating LNG terminals.

Insight: Gas To Power

Expertise in LPG

With the boom in US shale exports, demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers includes everything from mid-sized to large long-distance vessels carrying ethane. Bureau Veritas has experience classing these versatile LPG tankers, and the technical knowledge to improve your vessels’ safety and environmental performance.

ADDRESSING CYBER SECURITY

With real-time, connected equipment and intelligent data, gas carrier operations are a world apart from where they were a decade ago. At the same time, digitalization has presented new challenges to the shipping industry. Cyber-attacks worldwide have demonstrated that standard security solutions are no match for sophisticated hackers, particularly in an industry that has not fully recognized the importance of cybersecurity.

At Bureau Veritas, we understand that cyber security is essential to safety management in shipping and offshore operations. To provide leading cyber security services, we have leveraged our maritime expertise in smart ships, networks, telecommunications, ship design, and safety. For the safety of your fleets, we provide:

Cyber compliance, practical guidelines and detailed notations for ships in service and newbuilds
A global network of cybersecurity experts to secure ship designs and run efficient testing
Regulation compliance (BIMCO, IACS, ICS, IMO, OCIMF, Flag administration, etc.)

DISCOVER BUREAU VERITAS ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE GAS VALUE CHAIN

56%Increase in global LNG demand since 2000

35%BV’s market share in small scale LNG carriers

50%LNG bunkering ships worldwide in operation which are BV classed

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