LR and Guangzhou Shipyard International partner for 4th generation VLCC design project
Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) have signed a joint development project for a 4th generation Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), marking a significant step for the China-State Shipbuilding-Corporation (CSSC)-owned shipyard development of oil tankers.
The design will feature one longitudinal bulkhead instead of the traditional two. This has the benefit of reducing the steel weight by up to 3.5%. It also decreases the coating area for the cargo tanks as well as reducing the piping system and instruments in the tanks. This will deliver additional cargo-carrying capacity and lower maintenance costs throughout the life of the ship.
As part of the joint project, LR provided GSI with support as a trusted adviser on the VLCC design process and on potential risks. The vessel design was approved according to LR’s Structural Design Assessment (SDA) & prescriptive analysis.
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Nick Brown, Lloyd’s Register CEO, said: “LR is pleased to partner with GSI on this project, which will deliver a VLCC with additional cargo carrying capacity, allowing shipowners to benefit from reduced maintenance and lower operational costs. With this project, Lloyd’s Register and GSI further cement their strong working relationship and are better placed to serve industry stakeholders.”
Chen Ji, President of GSI, said: “As the top tanker builder in the world, GSI continues to optimise its designs, delivering better performance and more profitable vessels for shipowners, whilst supporting shipyards with a more practical build. Following our collaboration with LR, this 4th generation VLCC design, which showcases our new design philosophy, can be taken to the market.”
