Americas News
Ocean-Going LNG Bunker Barge Gets "Approval in Principle" from ABS
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted an approval in principle (AIP) to a liquefied natural gas (LNG) articulated tug-barge (ATB) designed by U.S.-based Jensen Maritime, the company announced this week.
According to the company, which is a division of Crowley Maritime Corp, the bunker barge's flexible design will aid in the transfer and use of LNG in smaller-scale operations or places without extensive LNG infrastructure.
It will also reportedly have benefits in offshore locations.
The LNG ATB was classed as an A1 Liquefied Gas Tank Barge and will carry four 1000-cubic-meter tanks, holding enough LNG to fill up a large containership twice without resupplying.
"This vessel is exciting for so many reasons, but perhaps most notably because it offers a solution for the maritime industry, which struggles with whether to develop LNG infrastructure or vessels first," said vice-president Johan Sperling.
"This unique concept offers customers an economical alternative to sourcing LNG terminals or trucking LNG to multiple ports."
The vessel concept is also said to be classed as a firefighting vessel, making it capable of handling emergencies onboard, and is designed so that the tug and barge can disconnect quickly in the event of an emergency.
Expected time to build the ATB is between 18 to 30 months.
Last year It was reported that ABS would class the first LNG bunker barges in the U.S., which were also designed by Jensen Maritime.
