Some of the safest vessels on the sea
Safe transportation of LNG is paramount therefore the tankers that transport it are double-hulled and specifically designed to handle the low temperature of LNG.
Currently,
more than 136 ships world-wide transport in excess of 120 million
metric tons of LNG annually to global locations. The majority of
conventional LNG tankers have a capacity in the region of 130-150,000
cubic metres.
LNG Tankers - Safety Design
- LNG ships are rigorously built for safety.
- There has been no loss of life, or significant spillage incident in more than 33,000 voyages.
- LNG ships are constructed with a double hull which provides protection for cargo in the event of a collision, grounding, and from radiant heat.
- Cargo tanks are located away from the hull.
- Gas detectors and safety alarms are situated between the steel hulls, and continuously monitor for cargo leaks.
The QG2 fleet of vessels
A purpose-built fleet of 14 brand new membrane ships has been commissioned which will provide a double barrier for cargo protection. These are known as the Q-Flex and Q-Max LNG ships and were built in Korea.
Economies
of scale and a more efficient main propulsion system have resulted in a
25-30% reduction in CO2 emissions per ton of cargo carried compared to
conventional tankers.
Q-Max
- Q-Max ships have been commissioned with a designed capacity of about 260,000 cubic metres
- Pride of the fleet Q-Max 'Mozah' (pictured)
- Designed for base-load transport to UK/US - a 'floating pipeline for LNG'.
- A designed capacity of about 215,000 cubic metres
- As the name implies, designed for maximum capacity whilst allowing flexible deliveries around the world
- Currently 20 terminals worldwide ready to accept the Q-Flex vessels
Watch our 'Shipping' video