A new design concept is being proposed for VLCC tankers that
according to the designers will reduce potential damage and operational risk by
featuring a simpler structural arrangement, loading patterns, and piping
arrangements. The design concept with a centerline oil-tight longitudinal
bulkhead, presented by Hyundai Heavy Industries, recently received general
approval for ship application (GASA) from DNV GL.
The concept introduces a single centerline design with two
rows of cargo tanks, resulting in seven pairs of tanks and one additional pair
of slop tanks. According to HHI, the main benefit is an improvement in the
operator’s convenience in terms of cleaning, inspection, and maintenance by
simpler structural, loading, and piping arrangements, as well as the reduction
of piping systems and instruments due to a smaller number of cargo tanks.
Furthermore, the fuel consumption was improved by developing new design lines
for the new VLCC with a centerline longitudinal bulkhead.
As part of the GASA scope, DNV carried out a full structural
verification and feasibility study following classification rules and
harmonized common structural rules. The details were confirmed by a fine mesh
analysis and a fatigue analysis. In addition, the sloshing and local vibration
analyses for cargo tanks were reviewed in a comparative study to enhance the
structural reliability of this new VLCC.
“Through joint development projects with DNV GL, we aim to
develop new technologies which enable our clients to comply with environmental
regulations and navigate their vessels in a safe and efficient way,” said Seung
Ho Jeon, Executive Vice President of HHI “We believe the recent GASA approval
is opening up a new era of VLCC designs which significantly strengthen the
competitiveness of these HHI built ships.”