At the Posidonia 2024 international shipping exhibition in Athens, Greece, Bureau Veritas (BV), a global leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry, awarded Design Approval (DA) to GTT for its GTT NEXT1 LNG cargo containment system. GTT is renowned for its expertise in membrane containment systems for transporting and storing liquefied gases.
The GTT NEXT1 technology aims to deliver thermal performance on par with the Mark III Flex+ technology by utilizing two metallic barriers. Prefabricated reinforced polyurethane foam panels support these membranes, balancing thermal and mechanical performance. The secondary barrier is constructed from Invar, while the primary barrier employs a corrugated stainless steel design similar to that of the Mark technologies. This design leverages proven materials and components to achieve significant performance improvements. GTT NEXT1 is now poised for consideration in future LNG carrier projects by builders and shipowners.
Bureau Veritas granted the Design Approval following an exhaustive review of the technology against all applicable rules and regulations, including the International Maritime Organization’s International Gas Carrier Code (IMO IGC Code), BV NR 467 – Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships, BV Guidance Note NI 554 – Design Sloshing Loads for LNG Membrane Tanks, and BV Guidance Note NI 564 – Strength Assessment of LNG Membrane Tanks under Sloshing Loads.
Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, commented: “The approval from Bureau Veritas for our GTT NEXT1 LNG cargo containment system demonstrates our unwavering commitment to innovation and technological excellence. We are proud to present this cutting-edge solution, which combines the best of our proven technologies with new advancements, ensuring optimal performance and improved reliability for the transportation of liquefied natural gas.”