Lloyd's Register (LR) has entered into an agreement for a joint development project (JDP) with China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), CNOOC Gas and Power Group, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC), and GazTransport and Technigaz (GTT) to design an LNG-fuelled very large crude carrier (VLCC).
LR says the JDP will evaluate design options that will guarantee minimised construction costs as well as increased operational flexibility and efficiency.
The vessel is expected to be the first of a new VLCC series.