“It is important to understand the environmental imperatives that shipowners face, but it is also important to recognize that, in reality, the uptake of new technologies is a balance between risk and business need. Together, DNV and KHI have struck just the right balance with this vessel,” said Tor Svensen, chief operating officer at DNV.

KHI obtained DNV approval for both the gas supply system of the vessel and the LNG fuel tanks. Next, the shipbuilder plans to perform a safety assessment of the vessel with DNV.

There are high expectations for LNG as an alternative, next-generation clean fuel to reduce reliance on heavy fuel oil which is currently used for large container ships. Decoupled from oil prices due to sources such as shale gas, it is expected to remain competitive for the lifetime of new vessels entering the market.

Source: DNV