Business

GTT receives AiP from BV for “Shear-Water”, a ballast-free LNG bunker and feeder vessel

New technological solution allows a reduction in investment and operating costs, simpler operations as well as a reduction in corrosion, says GTT Chairman and CEO.

Published

4 years ago

May 5, 2022

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GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz) on Tuesday (3 May) said it has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) for the “Shear-Water” concept, a new ballast-free LNG bunker and feeder vessel, from classification society Bureau Veritas (BV).

The majority of merchant vessels worldwide use ballast water when they are empty or partially loaded in order to maintain seaworthy conditions.

Therefore, a considerable quantity of ballast water is carried by ships every day. Even when ballast water is treated, there is a risk of transferring harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens from one area to another. The solution developed by GTT eliminates this risk completely.

In addition, removing the ballast water treatment system also reduces the energy consumption and CO2 footprint of the vessels. GTT has been developing an approach to eliminate altogether the requirement for ballast water.

The GTT “Shear-Water” concept is based on the currently proven vessel of 18,700 m3 capacity with two membrane tanks. The design also features a new hull shape, in a “V”, which differs from the standard square shaped mid-ship sections traditionally used for LNG carriers.

An exhaustive testing campaign has been carried out at the HSVA Hamburg tank test facility in connection with power-speed, maneuverability and sea keeping. A sloshing test campaign has also been carried out by GTT to ensure the technical feasibility of the project: the excellent results obtained helped approve the concept.

GTT and Bureau Veritas play an active role globally to support safer and cleaner shipping. For many years both companies have been involved in significant developments including innovative LNG bunker and feeder vessel designs, as well as dedicated systems for this specialized and growing market segment.

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, said: “We are proud to have developed “Shear-Water”, an innovative ballast-free design for LNG bunker and feeder vessels. This new technological solution allows a reduction in investment and operating costs, simpler operations as well as a reduction in corrosion supporting a longer service life. Obtaining this approval by Bureau Veritas constitutes recognition of the ecological relevance and performance of our technological solution.”

Mathieu De Tugny, Vice-president of Bureau Veritas said: “Bureau Veritas has given approval in principle to this new design, which has clear performance and environmental benefits: delimination of the need for ballast water treatment systems and equipment; easier maintenance of the void spaces surrounding the cargo, and reduced propulsion power requirements. Bureau Veritas has monitored and reviewed all the test results performed to support its approval in principle.”

Previously, GTT received AiP from the classification Society China Classification Society (CCS) and DNV on 8 July, 2021.

Photo credit: Gaztransport & Technigaz
Published: 5 May, 2022

LNG Bunkering

Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres.

Published

12 hours ago

August 18, 2026

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Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Singapore-based shipping firm Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) on Monday (17 August) said the company has successfully completed its 700th LNG bunkering operation, carried out for vehicle carrier Lake Victoria in Emden, Germany.

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres (m3).

“Reaching 700 LNG bunkering operations reflects not only the scale of our investment in alternative-fuel capabilities, but also the experience, coordination and commitment of our teams at sea and ashore,” EPS said in a social media post.

“As we continue to grow and diversify our fleet, every operation adds to the practical experience needed to support shipping’s energy transition.”

Manifold Times previously reported the company completed a total of 530 LNG bunkering operations with over 2.4 million m3 of LNG bunkered, from the start of recorded data to 31 Dec 2025.

In its 2026 ESG Report, EPS said its fleet is among the largest dual-fuel fleets in the industry, with over 170 vessels designed to operate on alternative fuels.

In 2025, 25% of the fuel consumed by EPS fleet were alternative marine fuels, including LNG, LPG, ethane, and biofuels.

Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 18 August, 2026

LNG Bunkering

Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

“YM Willpower” successfully received around 2,000 mt of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

Published

12 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) on Monday (17 August) said its 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel, YM Willpower, successfully completed its first-ever LNG bunkering operation via SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) at the Port of Shanghai.

Through close collaboration with Shanghai International Port (Group) and SIPG Energy Shanghai, the vessel successfully received around 2,000 metric tonnes (mt) of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

With LNG dual-fuel technology, the company said it is continuing to expand alternative-fuel bunkering capabilities, enhance operational flexibility and efficiency and advance lower-carbon shipping solutions.

Manifold Times previously reported YM Willpower completing its first bunkering operation in Singapore.

In 2026, Yang Ming will progressively introduce newly built 15,500 TEU class container vessels primarily fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its operating fleet.

The lead vessel, YM Willpower, completed partial LNG bunkering at the shipyard prior to delivery and was officially deployed on 8 February into Yang Ming’s Far East–Mediterranean MD2 service.

Photo credit: Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
Published: 18 August, 2026

Methanol

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, “Carlotta Cosulich” combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness.

Published

12 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Genoa-based marine fuel supplier Fratelli Cosulich on Monday (17 August) announced the launch of its new methanol-ready bunker IMO II tanker, Carlotta Cosulich.

The launch of Carlotta Cosulich, the third of four sister vessels, took place at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China, bringing together the project team, partners and stakeholders.

Silvia Bordon, General Manager, served as the vessel’s godmother during the ceremony.

“Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, Carlotta Cosulich combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness,” the company said in a statement.

Equipped with a five-tonne cargo crane and dedicated arrangements for Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations further enhances her versatility across a wider range of bunkering operations.

“Following the successful delivery of her two sister vessels, she brings us one step closer to completing this four-vessel programme and reinforces Fratelli Cosulich Group’s commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability and operational excellence,” the company added.

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 18 August, 2026