Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has received approval in principle from Lloyd's Register (LR) for an LNG-fuelled 250,000DWT class very large ore carrier (VLOC).
Anangel, Woodside, LR and HHI started a joint development project in 2017 to develop an LNG-fuelled 250,000DWT design optimised for the trade route from north west Australia to north Asia.
Anangel as the ship owner and operator provided practical advice on the design concept.
Woodside provided information on the outlook for LNG bunkering infrastructure in the region.
LR facilitated the high-level hazard identification (HAZID) to verify the safety of the vessel design.
HHI completed the optimised design of the VLOC with the LNG-fuelled system, and LR provided class approval and issued approval in principle.
The project's main objective is to achieve the lowest practical incremental capital and operating costs to help LNG compete against other post-2020 compliance options for bulk carriers.
The parties are discussing the potential for a further phase, including additional partners, to increase the feasibility and attractiveness of LNG as a fuel.