DNV GL Releases LNG Ready Notation for Newbuilds

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday December 4, 2014

Classification society DNV GL said it has released a new notation of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) readiness of newbuilds.

The GAS READY notation is intended to help shipowners who may want to convert their vessels for LNG-use after delivery, in addition to the contractors who may be tasked with handling the ship conversions.

“This new notation enables owners to ensure that a future LNG-fueled version of the vessel complies with the relevant safety and operational requirements, while also being very useful in helping owners specify and quantify the level of investment they are making at the newbuilding stage,” DNV said.

The notation, in addition to specifying whether a ship's overall design is in line with possible conversion to LNG, can also denote whether ships have structural reinforcements to support future LNG tanks, preparations for future gas fuel systems or machinery which can be converted to gas fuel.

The system is also a "natural extension" to DNV's LNG Ready service, which helps guide companies through the LNG conversion process, according to Gerd-Michael Wuersig, segment director for LNG-fueled ships.

"The new class notation GAS READY provides a formalized framework for documenting the compliance option and preparation level chosen," he said.

Both the service and the notation are especially useful, DNV said, as LNG as a ship fuel spreads rapidly among the industry.

Last week, Lloyd's Register released its standards for vessel LNG readiness.