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Gastech 2023: ABS, GTT and DHT sign JDP to develop optimised LNG-fuelled VLCC design

Agreement will see the trio focus on optimising the VLCC design, exploring the total cost of operation by analysing the operating profile and fuel availability at frequently visited ports.
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Classification society ABS on Tuesday (5 September) signed a joint development project (JDP) with Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) and DHT Holdings, Inc. at Gastech 2023 to optimise a new, very large crude carrier (VLCC) with liquified natural gas (LNG) propulsion that meets Class and statutory requirements.

The dual fuel vessel promises to provide flexibility for operations and to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The agreement will see ABS, GTT and DHT focus on optimising the VLCC design, exploring the total cost of operation by analysing the operating profile and fuel availability at frequently visited ports. The companies will also collaborate on subjects such as LNG fuel volume, tank size optimization and impact on regulatory measures such as carbon intensity indicator (CII).

John McDonald, ABS President and COO, said: “LNG has significant potential to improve the emissions performance of vessels, including VLCCs. Flexibility afforded by dual fuel operations combined with the potential for improved CII rating may well contribute to a longer lifespan and increase appeal to charterers. ABS is proud to be able to use our experience to contribute to this important JDP.”

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, said: “GTT is delighted to join forces with ABS and DHT Holdings, experts in their respective domains. This JDP aims to develop the future of crude oil transportation with the most advanced environmentally efficient VLCC design. The cutting-edge membrane technology pioneered by GTT provides the sought-after flexibility for ship-owners as well as the optimal solution to facilitate a seamless transition into a carbon-neutral future.”

Svenn Magne Edvardsen, DHT Ship Management (Singapore), Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with ABS and GTT in this Joint Development Project, aimed at enhancing the LNG dual fuel VLCC design. This strategic partnership is expected to optimise this design of a LNG DF VLCC with membrane-type tanks, by leveraging the expertise of the stakeholders of the JDP.”

 

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 7 September, 2023

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.
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July 21, 2026

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.
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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said. 

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels. 

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

 

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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